Communication from the Governor, transmitting several reports relative to the Geological Survey of the State [1836-1840

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No. 161. |

IN ASSEMBLY, |
February 11, 1837.

COMMUNICATION

“

‘ From the Governor, relative to the geological survey .-
ey of the State.

TO THE ASSEMBLY.

= I have the honor to transmit to you a communication in relation
to the geological survey of the State of New-York, together with
be reports from the persons who are engaged in the execution thereof. *
rs : " ; :
E ~ . WoL. MARCY.
- Albany, 11th February, 1837. ,
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TO THE LEGISLATURE.

Some delay, as I have heretofore stated, attended the selection
of persons to execute the important measure contemplated by the
act passed at the last session of the Legislature, ‘‘to provide for
a geological survey of the State.” The appointments were not
all made till the month of July, and none of them at so early a
period as to afford the persons selected an opportunity of employ-
ing the entire season in the work. The last year’s operations do
not, therefore, exhibit so much progress in the execution of the
survey as may be expected in subsequent years. The survey was
ordered to be made under the direction of the Governor. The
plan for executing it submitted to the last Legislature in the able
report of the Secretary of State on this subject, has been gene-
rally pursued. So far as regards the botanical and zoological de-
partments, the suggestions of the report have been adopted with
but a slight modification. The execution of the botanical branch
of the survey has been committed to Dr. John Torrey. I have not
appointed a draughtsman for this part of the work, but authorized
Dr. Torrey to procure the drawings for this department on the most
favorable terms as to compensation. It is understood that the ex-
penses for them will not exceed $400 in any year; and it will pro-
bably be somewhat less than that sum.

Dr. James E. De Kay has been appointed to take charge of the
zoological department of the work. It is expected that the expen-
ses for drawings in this department will be more than in any other,
and the zoologist is authorized to expend a sum not exceeding the
estimate in the Secretary’s report, $800 per annum for that pur-
pose.

The expectations-in relation to the usefulness of the geological
survey of the State, rest in a considerable degree upon the dis-
closure of our mineral wealth and resources, and-I judged it of

+ [| ASSEMBLY

the first importance to carry the researches in this respect to the
utmost extent. The beneficial objects of the survey would not be
fully answered by the mere discovery of the different kinds of ores
and minerals existing within our territory. It was necessary that
their qualities and ingredients should be accurately ascertained by
a minute and scientific analysis. In relation to agricultural im-
provements, it was also important that more should be done than
to collect specimens of our various soils. In directing the execu-
tion of the work, I thought it incumbent on me to provide for a full
and accurate chemical analysis of these soils. ‘To accomplish these
objects in the best manner, I deemed it necessary to appoint a mi-
neralogist, and assign to him the duty of examining the localities
of the several ores found in this State, and of analyzing them, to-
gether with the soils and mineral waters of the State. Dr. Lewis
C. Beck was selected for this purpose. I have more particularly
called your attention to this arrangement, and succinctly alluded
to some of the inducements for making it, because the appointment
of a person to execute the mineralogical and chemical department
of the survey was not suggested in the report of the Secretary of
State. The propriety of this arrangement will, I think, be rén-

dered more manifest by an examination of the report of the mine- .

ralogist now transmitted to the Legislature, together with those
of the other persons engaged in the survey. Some expenses to a
small amount attending the process of conducting these analyses,
I have considered it proper to allow, and though I declined to ap-
point an assistant for the mineralogist in his explorations, I have
paid some charges for the travelling expenses of one whom he en-
gaged to accompany him. :

It will be recollected than_the plan submitted to the Legislature
divided the State into four geological districts, and proposed to as-
sign to each two geologists and adraughtsman. ‘The annual com-
pensation suggested was $1,500 for each geologist, and $800 for the
draughtsman. In this respect I have modified this plan, and there-
by made considerable reduction in the expense, without, asI hope,
diminishing the chance of securing a proper survey of the State.
I have appointed only one geologist and an assistant for a district.
I have stipulated to allow, and for the services performed have al-

lowed, to.the geologist a compensation at the, rate of $1,500 per

annum, and to the assistant $800. It was-believed that a draughts-
man foreach district would not be required, or rather that the ser-

x

No. 161.] 3 F

vices to be performed by him might be executed by the geologist
and the assistant. It was therefore agreed that for executing the
principal drawings, and packing the specimens, and for the expen-
ses of concentrating them at convenient places for transporting
them to Albany, an additional compensation of $300 should be
paid to each geologist. A similar allowance was also made to the
mineralogist, zoologist and botanist, in addition to their salary of
$1,500 per annum. As the drawings for the botanical and zoolo-
gical departments required much more labour and skill, those hav-
ing the charge of these two departments were allowed to incur
the expenditures before specified for the services of draughtsmen.

As some of the persons employed in the survey were connected
with literary and scientific institutions, and were not willing to
dissolve their connections with them, and. as their engagements
were not of such a character as to prevent them from completing
the part of the survey assigned to them within the time contem-
plated by the law authorizing it, they were employed at a less sa-
lary than that allowed to those who had no such engagements.
Three of the persons thus employed, viz. Dr. Torrey, Dr. Beck and
Prof. Emmons, receive only $1,200 annually; the others, viz. Dr.
DeKay, Mr. Mather, Mr. Conrad and Mr. Vanuzxem, are allowed
a full salary of $1,500. Each assistant has received a compensa-
tion at the rate of $800 per annum.

If the suggestions in the report laid before the last Legislature,
in relation to the persons to be employed and their compensation,
had been pursued, the amount of expenditures for each geological
district would have been $3,800; but by the modifications that
have been adopted, the annual expenditure has been reduced to
$2,600. The reduction from the estimate is $4,800 each year in
the four districts; but the mineralogical department, which was
not contemplated by the report, will involve an expenditure of
from fifteen to eighteen hundred dollars per annum which was not
embraced in the estimate submitted to the Legislature. It may
become necessary, before the completion of the work, to employ
a skilful draughtsman, to execute some of the more important and
difficult drawings in relation to the geological department.

Many scientific gentlemen were not only willing but desirous to
engage in the survey, as it was an enterprise to be executed under
the patronage of the State; yet I believe they all considered that
the highest compensation which I felt auihorized to allow them

6 . [ASSEMBLY

was inadequate to the services to be rendered; and from informa-
tion I have received, I am induced to think it is less than other
States have paid for similar services. The persons employed must
be from five to seven months in each year engaged in explorations,
and it was anticipated that their personal expenses (no part of
which was defrayed by the State,) would be considerable during
this period; but these expenses thus far have exceeded their ex-
pectations, and they have united in an application for an increase
of their compensation. I have deemed it proper to present this
subject to the consideration of the Legislature, for the purpose of
receiving its direction thereon.

In order to supply the literary institutions of the State with spe-
cimens, as the law provides, the Secretary of State has directed
eight suits of them to be procured. Many of these specimen:, and
among them some of the most interesting character, are to be ta-
ken from places to which the approach by ordinary means of con-
veyance is impracticable. ‘To procure and prepare this number
of suits, and bring them to places from whence they can be trans-
ported by the common methods, requires much manual labor. It
has been suggested to me, that the employment of a common la-
borer, or packman, in each district, for this purpose and some oth-
ers, would greatly facilitate the execution of the survey, by re-
lieving the geologists from the necessity of devoting their time and
attention to objects no way demanding scientific acquirements. I
have been in this respect, as well as all others, unwilling to adopt
any arrangement which will be likely to increase the expenses be-
yond the estimate presented to the Legislature, and shall not do so
without an assurance that it will receive its approbation.

It was in my opinion of great importance to the main objects of
the work, that those who were engaged in it should confer toge-
ther, not only to receive each other’s suggestions as to the best
methods of prosecuting their labors, but to adopt some uniform
plans for their proceedings. I also desired their advice as to the
general directions to be given for their guidance. For this pur-
pose, they were convened in this city in November last. Among
the recommendations presented to me by the board, was that of
selecting a proper person to be employed exclusively on that part
of the work which relates to fossil remains® As they assigned
some of the reasons which induced them to adopt this recommen-
dation, I take the liberty of presenting their views on this subject
to the Legislature.

a

No. 161.] Y,

‘‘ At the late session of the geologists, the board deemed it expe-
dient to recommend that a paleontologist be appointed, in connec-
tion with the geological survey of the State. There are several
reasons that influenced them in their decision. Similar fossils are
found in each of the geological districts; each geologist, therefore,
is obliged to pursue those researches in fossil remains, that would,
by the proposed arrangement, fall upon one individual, who would
devote his whole attention to it, and thus do better than those who
should attend to it less. Such an arrangement has already been
made in the department of mineralogy, and this science is as inti- .
mately connected with geology, as fossil remains can be. All the
branches of natural history, and many of the other sciences, clus-
ter around geology, and lend to it and each other a mutual sup-
port. No man can make great advances in all the branches of ge-
ology; the proper course to be pursued, is for each individual to
become acquainted with the great outlines of the subject, and then
devote his attention to some particular branch of enquiry. It is
by such a division of labor, that geology has advanced so rapidly
within a few years. Physical geology and paleontology are dis-
tinct branches of enquiry. The paleontologist must necessarily
be minutely familiar with the various branches of natural history,
to distinguish the minute shades of difference in the species of fos-
sils, and he must consult many authors to know what has been de-
scribed and figured by others. The geologist must have the results
of such labors, before he can draw definite conclusions on some
points of geology. The board fully concur in the opinion, that
this division of labor will facilitate the perfection of the work, by
enabling each individual to devote more attention to his specific
branch of enquiry. The increase of expense will be comparative-
ly trifling; and to diminish this, the paleontologist who is recom-
mended by the board, will make all the drawings of fossil re-
mains, and thus save an annual expense of at least $500.”

This recommendation of the persons employed in the survey, is
submitted to the Legislature, for the purpose of receiving their di-
rection as to the propriety of its adoption.

The expenditure upon the survey has amounted to $7,769.74.
This sum has been principally expended in paying the salaries of
the persons employed in the work, at the rate of compensation be-
fore specified. The remainder of it has been disbursed for inci-
dental expenses. The vouchers for the payments have been ren-
dered to the Comptroller, and filed in his office.

8 ° [ ASSEMBLY
Accompanying this communication, I transmit:

I. The report of Dr. John Torrey, who has charge of the bota-
nical department of the survey.

I]. The report of Dr. James E. De Kay, who has charge of the
zoological department.

IH. The report of Dr. Lewis C. Beck, who ee charge of the
mineralogical and chemical department.

IV. The report of William W. Mather, geologist of the first dis-
trict. |

V. The report of Prof. E. Emmons, geologist of the second dis-
trict.

VI. The report of T. .4. Conrad, geologist of the third district.

VII. The report of Lardner Vaunuxem, geologist of the fourth
district. ;

It is proper to remark, that some modification has already been
made in the districts into which the State was divided, in the re-
port of the Secretary of State, and that some further changes in
this respect have been suggested, and will probably be adopted.

All which is respectfully submitted.

W. L. MARCY.
Albany, 10th February, 1887. |

REPORT

Of Dr. John Torrey on the Botanical Department of
the Survey.

To His Excellency Wm. L. Marcy,
Governor of the State of New-York.
Sir,

Your commission appointing me ‘ Botanist,” under the ‘‘ Act
to provide for a Geological Survey,” of the State of New-York,
and committing to me the botanical department of that work, was
dated July Ist, 1836. Soon after it was received I made the ne-
cessary preparations for executing the duties assigned tome. A
considerable portion of the State has already been explored, and
extensive collections have been made of its vegetable productions.
Your commission does not specify minutely the objects to which
my attention is to be directed while Iam employed on this service,
but I understand them to comprehend the following heads:

1. To examine and prepare a catalogue of all the indigenous
plants of the State, as well as of the more important cultivated
species.

2. To preserve a complete set of specimens of all the plants
found in the State, and arrange them in a convenient herbarium,
so that any species can be referred to without difficulty.

3. To collect and preserve specimens of all the woods, fruits,
roots and other useful or otherwise interesting vegetable produc-
tions, the growth of this state, and arrange them in a cabinet.

4. 'To cause drawings to be made of the more important plants,
for the purpose of having them engraved, if necessary, when the
fina] report is published.

"Assem. No. 161.] 2

10 [Aesensuy

5. To prepare extra sets of the botanical specimens, (seven sets
have been stated to be required, by the Governor,) to be presented
to scientific or literary institutions in this State.

6. To communicate to our citizens who may apply to me for
the purpose, botanical information respecting our native or cultivat-
ed plants. |

7. To ascertain the best method of destroying injurious plants.

8. To collect, and incorporate in my final report, useful know-
ledge respecting the applications of botanical science to the culti-
vation ef the soil.

9. Finally to prepare a Flora of the State, comprising plain and
full descriptions of all our plants, divested as much as possible of
technical language, with an account of their qualities, as far as as-
certained. )

The work which I have thus laid out to be performed is by no
means inconsiderable, and I should be unable to complete it with-
out the aid of botanists in various parts of the State. I have, how-
ever, the assurance of assistance, not only from my fellow labourers
who are engaged in the survey, but from many others, so that I
hope my account of our vegetable productions will be tolerably
complete.

The botanical season was so far advanced when | received my
commission from your Excellency that I was not able to explore
very extensively before the frosts arrested vegetation. Still I
have made considerable progress in my work, and my collections
are very numerous. ‘The principal counties which I have examin-
ed are New-York, Richmond, Kings, Queens, Suffolk, Rockland,
Putnam, Dutchess, Albany, Herkimer, Oneida, Madison and Ot-
BeZO.

As soon as the spring opens I hope to take the field, and engage
with unabated zeal in my important and responsible undertaking.
Very respectfully, |
Your Excellency’s humble servant.

JOHN TORREY.

REPORT

Of Dr. James E. De Kay on the Zoological Depart-
ment of the Survey.

The undersigned, in conformity with instructions from the Exe-—
cutive, respectfully submits the following

REPORT.

In consequence of the very late period at which he was called
upon to exercise the duties of his office, it has been impractieable
for him to do more than make a very cursory examination of the
counties in his more immediate vicinity. These, however, furnish
objects of peculiar interest, and will fully occupy his attention un-
til the season is sufficiently advanced to commence operations in
counties more remote.

The department of science allotted to the undersigned has hith-
erto attracted but little attention from the American public.—
Slight and imperfect views of its scope and tendency, have led.
many to regard it with indifference, as a branch of knowledge not
immediately or necessarily connected with the wants or the com-
forts of man. It may, therefore, not be deemed misplaced, if we
offer a few remarks, in order to show that its importance and va-
lue have been improperly underrated.

Of what possible use, it has been frequently asked, is the study
of insects, or fishes, or quadrupeds, to the community? It may be
replied, that no one can venture to predict the results of investi-
gation in any particular branch of knowledge. The labors of
zoologists, in our own days, have done much to throw light upon
the history of our globe, and have contributed in no slight degree
to place our knowledge of its structure upon sure and stable foun-
dations. Or, to illustrate our position by a reference to the arts—
the individual who first directed his attention to the vapor of boil-
ing water, little dreamed that he was viewing an agent which, in
giving 2 new stimulus to industry, has furnished support and the

12 {AssEMBLY

means of enjoyment to millions of human beings, and anticipated
the progress of civilization by many centuries.

But without venturing to claim for zoology such brilliant results,
we may remark, that our comforts, and even our existence, is inti-
mately connected with the class of beings whose characters and
habits we are called upon to investigate. During the past summer,
our farmers, more particularly in the northern parts of the State,
had occasion to mourn over their blighted harvests, to witness the
devastation of their property, occasioned by an apparently insigni-
ficant insect, and to regret their ignorance of his peculiar habits,
in order that they might be prepared to suggest some rational re-
medy for his destruction. ‘The pecuniary loss thus occasioned in
this State alone, almost exceeds belief. Nor have our grain crops
alone been thus assailed. In many of ourmost fertile grazing coun-
ties, the grass has been nearly destroyed by the combined ravages
of vermin and insects. The cultivator of fruit likewise has often
witnessed with unavailing regret, his favorite trees either totally
destroyed or much retarded in their growth, by insects, whose di-
minutive size or nocturnal habits, eluded his observation. Even in
the depths of winter, the enemy has been insidiously at work, and
the disappearance of the last snow has revealed the extent of the
destruction. It is scarcely necessary to allude to the depredations
committed in our gardens, as a subject of daily occurrence; and
although the injuries thus incurred may in isolated instances ap-
pear to be of small amount, yet the aggregate annual loss can
scarcely be appreciated. The benefits, direct and indirect, which
we derive from animals, and the means of increasing them, fall
naturally within the province of the zoologist; but these are too
obvious to make it the subject of a special notice.

The State of New-York is connected on its southern border
with the ocean, and its numerous products; at the north will be
found many inhabitants of the arctic regions; while the rivers
on its south-western frontier will be found to connect it with the
great valley of the Mississippi. From its magnitude and geogra-
phical position, it will therefore be found to comprise in all proba-
bility, more than two-thirds of all the animal species existing within
the limits of the United States. In this view of the subject, how
important does it appear that not only her zoological as well as her
mineral and botanical productions should be carefully investigated,
and this knowledge be duly promulgated. This seems alike de-

No. 161.] 13

manded, not merely from a proper feeling of respect for her own
sovreignty, but alike benefitting her sister states, and conveying
accurate and useful information to our European brethren. From
a hasty estimate, it is supposed that the various forms of anima-
ted nature exist in about the following proportions:

INRA ia itien's ocr c/o nisin wie’ die me waeee ae ie OO
CR SESS ERIE GAGS Co ck a aR gn RRR 5
Reptiles and fishes, . 5... 005 cesececccceces 250
CS Se a en eo pisiidlinie sates eck ROO
PASCC LB yo. 05 0 Sos eawaininene case rene vane ste 3,000

Among all these classes, although the labors of Say, Harris, Le
Conte, Harlan, and others have much enlarged the sphere of our
knowledge, yet enough remains to occupy the attention of natural-
ists for an unlimited period.

In conclusion, the undersigned has to state that he has prepared
a circular, which he proposes to distribute through the various
counties of the State. From his slight past experience, he is en-
couraged to hope that the intelligent people of the State will cheer-
fully lend their aid in furthering his inquiries.

All which is respectfully submitted.
JAMES E. DE KAY.

His Excellency Governor Marcy.
New-York, December 3, 1836.

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“vette:

REPORT

Of Dr. Lewis C. Beck on the Mineralogical and Che-
mical Department of the Survey.

To his Exceilency Witu1am L. Marcy,
Governor of the State of New-York.
Sir—Having been honored by you with the charge of the de-
_ partment of Mineralogy and Chemical Analysis, in the survey re-
cently authorized by the Legislature, I beg leave to submit the
following :

REPORT.

‘Upon receiving my commission, the object which engaged my
attention, was to ascertain the extent and nature of the duties
which it involved, and to fix with as much precision as possible the
exact boundaries of that part of the survey committed to me. It
was evident that although many branches of the natural sciences
were quite closely connected with each other, and thus that in a
mere reconnoissance of the State, the entire work might have been
entrusted to one or two individuals, the comprehensive plan sub-
mitted by the Secretary of State and adopted by the Legislature,
could only be carried out to its successful completion, by an asso-
ciation of individuals of various acquirements, and by the greatest
practicable division of labor.

The distinction between geology and mineralogy generally re-
ceived, is, that the former includes the study of those large mass-
es which constitute the general formation of the earth, their ele-
vation, their form, their structure, &c.; while the latter has for
its principal object, the study of the simple minerals that form the
ingredients of these rocks, and comprises the history of each spe-

16 [ ASSEMBLY

cies with that of its varieties, as well as the characters which serve
to unite them into genera and families, i in order that they may be
easily recognised.

Mineralogy thus characterized, derives its principal aid from
physics and from chemistry. The celebrated Beudant has well
observed, that ‘if the successive discoveries of crystallography
‘ have had the effect of raising mineralogy from the empyricism to
which it was consigned, the progress of chemistry has really ele-
vated it to the rank of the exact sciences; and such is now its po-
sition with regard to these two sciences, that it is impossible for it
to make any positive advance without the powerful aid which
they afford.” Thus also Dr. Thomson remarks, ‘“ that mineralo-
gy is so closely connected with chemistry, and so dependent on it
for specific distinctions, that it would be highly injurious to it, and
therefore very unwise to attempt to deprive it of so important an
ally. It would be nearly the same as if the astronomer were to
announce that his science was independent of mathematics, and
were therefore to insist upon banishing that indispensable auxilia-
ry from his sublime science.” And to these, I may add the opin-
ion of Dr. Buckland in his recent Bridgewater Treatise, who just-
ly places many distinct departments of science in a similar relation
to geology; for says he, “‘ We now approach the study of the na-
tural history of the globe, aided not only by the higher branches
of physics, but by still more essential recent discoveries in mine-
ralogy and chemistry, in botany, zoology and comparative anato-
my. By the help of these sciences, we are enabled to extract
from the archives of the interior of the earth, intelligible records
of former conditions of our planet, and to decipher documents
which were a sealed book to all our predecessors in the attempt
to illustrate subterranean history.”

From what has now been said, it will be manifest, that although
mineralogy, like zoology, botany and comparative anatomy, is
connected with geology, and is of great assistance to the geolo-
gist, its objects are sufficiently distinct, and when as in the pre-

sent instance, chemistry is expressly made its am aty, its utility
cannot well be questioned.

Such being my views of the nature of the work committed to

me, and being sensible of its importance and of the labor which
its completion would require, I need not say that I have addressed

jig dey

No. 161.] 17

myself to it with all the talent and industry that I possess. Desi-
rous of doing full justice to all those who had previously directed
their attention to the mineral resources of the’State, I have care
fully examincd such mineralogical works and scientific periodicals
as were within my reach, for the purpose of preparing a catalogue
of the minerals heretofore known, and of giving credit to the dis-
coverer of each species or important locality. In this part of the
work, I have of course derived much assistance from. the ample
list of references, contained in the report of the Secretary of State.
And by a rigid adherence to the rule of making suitable acknow-
dedgments for the assistance which I may receive during the pro- ~
gress of the survey, I hope to secure the co-operation of all whe
are engaged in the study or collection of our minerals.

Believing that the execution of the mineralogical and chemical
department of the survey would be greatly facilitated, by study-
ing the minerals in groups or families, I have during the past. sea-
son, directed my attention chiefly to the ores of iron, lead and
zinc. Of these, the former have ever been ranked among the most
important productions, and in every country where science has
been applied to the arts, they have been in some degree, at least,
scientifically examined. A sketch of such an examination of the
iron ores of our State, 1 now propose to submit; and if it be not
so complete as might be desired, I trust you will allow me to state:
as an apology, the difficulty of the subject, the extent of our terri-
tory, and the comparatively limited time which has yet been de-
yoted to the work.

The ores generally employed in this State for the manufacture of
iron, are the magnetic oxide of iron or magnetic iron ore, the red
oxide of iron or specular iron ore, the brown hematite and several
varieties of argillaceous oxide of iron, included by some mineralo-
gists under the specific name of limonite. These ores are also
sometimes distinguished by the names of mountain, hill, and bog
ores, in reference to the situations in which they usually occur.
it is worthy of remark, that the clay iron stone from which the
greater part of the English iron is manufactured, and which is
said to be a constant associate of the coal formation, has not been
met with in any quantity in this State. Nor is the spathose iron
from which the variety of steel, called natural steel, is obtained,
as yet included in the catalogue of our workable ores.

[Assem. No. 161.] 3

iS [ AssEMBLY¥

It will, however, appear in the progress of this communication,
that although we may still be destitute of the important ores last
mentioned, the rest are found in great abundance and generally of
anexcellent quality. Indeed in no respect, perhaps, have the re-
sources of the State been less understood than in regard to its ores.
I have already gone far enough in this investigation to satisfy me
that however extended the applications of this metal may be, we
have the means of making ourselves independent of other States
and countries. If this isso, it is of great importance to examine
all those circumstances which have impeded the progress of the
* manufacture of iron in this State. Some of these will be advert-
ed to in a subsequent part of this report.

DESCRIPTION OF THE ORES OF IRON.

Maenetic Oxipe oF Iron.—This ore has a black, grayish
black, or bluish black colour, more or less brilliant. The varia-
tions of colour, however, are often owing to the presence of for-
eign matters. When these are carefully separated and the ore
reduced to powder, itis black and follows the magnet. Some spe-
cimens are not only attracted by the magnet, but possess polarity.
This property, so far as my observation extends, belongs to those
varieties which have acrystalline or foliated stracture, and does not
appear to be much influenced by their purity.

The magnetic oxide of iron is usually soluble in hot muriatic
acid, especially if the mineral be previously reduced toa fine pow-
der. Sometimes, however, the presence of foreign matters renders
it necessary to calcine the ore with carbonate of soda or potassa,
before its solution in that agent can be effected.

It isremarked by Professor Cleaveland that large beds of mag-
netic oxide of iron extend with little interruption from Canada te

the vicinity of New-York. The correctness of thisstatement will

appear from the following geographical outline of its localities.

Commencing with the southern part of the State, we first ob-
serve beds or veins of magnetic iron crossing the line between
New-Jersey and New-York, at or near the southern extremity of
Orange county; and they occur in various parts of the primitive
range which traverses this county in a northeasterly direction.
The following are among the most important localities.

No. 161.] | 19

Long Mine. This is situated about five miles south-west of South-
field Furnace. The ore occurs in gneiss rock, and follows the ge-
neral direction and dip of the strata, and is never at right angles
to them. The bed has been very extensively worked, but owing
to ififudicious management, the old workings are at present closed.
Recently the mining operations have been conducted in a more ~
skilful manner. Pillars, or supports of the rock or of the ore it-
self, are left at, intervals, while the excavation is continued ina
nearly horizontal direction. The accompanying rock is exceeding-
dy variable in its character. Sometimes the feldspar greatly pre-
dominates; at others, the quartz prevails; and again at others,
mica, of a blackish colour, is the principal ingredient. The floor
of the bed approaches to mica slate; its course is nearly north and
south, and its dip to the east.

This ore is of a bluish biack colour, and has minute grains of
quartz disseminated through it, which causes it to give fire with
‘steel. It breaks in columnar fragments, and being of a granular
structure is without much difficulty reduced to coarse powder;
and when in this state, it is strongly attracted by the magnet. It
does not, however, possess polarity. The average specific gravity
of the ore is 4.885; and with the exception of the silicious parti-
cles, it is entirely soluble in hot concentrated muriatic acid.

The results of the analysis of this ore, show that it is of an ex-
cellent quality. It is highly esteemed for the furnace, and is said
to furnish pig iron, which is easily rendered malleable by the pro-
cesses now employed for that purpose. Under these circumstan-
ces it is gratifying to be enabled to add, that this bed is of great
extent, and if judiciously worked, will undoubtedly yield a vast
amount of ore. |

- Analysis of the magnetic iron from the Long Mine, Orange county.

_ Protoxide of iron,..csceseeseceeccceosss 25.40
Peronile Of iPOhy. sa sews seeded se a) FOLBO
Oxide of manganese,..s.0s)sceccs seoveess 1,60
Silica or quartz, and loss,.eeseeseesceoess 2.50

100.00
‘These proportions of protoxide and peroxide of iron are equi-
valent to 68.50 per cent of metallic iron. It may be proper to
state here that the magnetic ores of iron are mixtures of the pro-

20 : | ASSEMBLY

toxide and peroxide of iron in variable proportions. The former
of these oxides is composed of 77.23 metallic iron, and 22.77 of
oxygen, in 100; the latter, of 69.34 metallic iron, and 30.66 oxy-
gen. Pure protoxide of iron is not found in nature, and no ore
at present known contains more than 72 or 73 per cent of metallic
iron; the rest being oxygen, which is driven off in the form of
gas, during the reduction. The remark of Professor Cleaveland
that the magnetic oxide of iron sometimes yields from 80 to 90
per cent of metallic iron, is, therefore, obviously incorreet. I take
this occasion to observe also that in the analyses which I have
hitherto made of our iron ores, my chief object has been to deter-
mine the proportion of metallic iron which they contain.

\

Paterson Mine. This is situated about three-quarters of a mile
south from Long Mine. The general direction of the bed is the
same as that just described, and the minerals which accompany it
are also similar. The ore, however, is slightly different. It is
massive, and breaks-into columnar fragments. It is not only at-
tracted by the magnet, but possesses magnetic polarity, approach-
ing to the variety called native loadstone. In its chemical compo-
sition it does not differ much from the preceding, except, perhaps,
in the proportion of silica, which, being merely mixed mechani-
eally with the oxides of iron, is of course hable to great variation,
This bed has not been recently worked.

Several other beds of the magnetic ore occur in this vicinity, as
Roberts’? Mine, Conklin’s Mince, &c.; but it would be a useless re-
petition to give a detailed description of them. Such numerous
and extensive deposites of this valuable mineral can not long re-
main neglected as they now are, but must soon give employment to
hundreds of individuals, and render this apparently isolated part of
the state one of the great centres of its manufacturing operations.

Stirling Mountain. This rises on the western side of Stirling
pond, a beautiful sheet of water, at the outlet.of which are still to
be seen the ruins of a furnace erected previously to the revolu-
tionary war, and in which the manufacture of iron was carried on
at that early period with great. activity. It was at this furnace
that the iron was smelted which was used in the construction of
the chain laid across the Hudson river at West-Point.

The mountain just mentioned seems to be almost an entire de-
posite of iron ore. Although the rock is sometimes observed with

No. 161.| 21

grains of ore sparingly disseminated through it, the mineral often
predominates, and it not unfrequently indeed exists in large masses
and even in beds. In general, the ore does not possess the purity
of that from some of the mines previously described. It appears,
however, from the excavations which are every where observed,
that large quantities of it have been removed.

The associates of the ore at this locality are similar to those no-
ticed at the other beds, viz: quartz, feldspar and mica. Horn-
blende also occurs, and occasionally the ore contains a small por-
dion of sulphuret of iron, which renders more caution necessa-
ry in its reduction than would otherwise be required.

Before leaving this interesting region, | feel it a duty to present
my acknowledgments to the Messrs. Pearson of Rockland county,
and to Messrs. Whitney and Pearson, the agents of the Stirling
company, for the assistance which they afforded me in its exami-
tion.

Following the course of the Highlands, the magnetic oxide of
iron occurs in various localities. Thus the granulated variety
abounds in the gneiss rock of the mountains near West-Point,
which is said to contain small crystals of phosphate of lime and
cearburet. of iron; while the common magnetic oxide is found on
Constitution Island. At Phillipstown in Putnam county, there is
also abundance of the same ore, and the magnetic iron sand is not
unfrequentiy met with on the shores of the Hudson near this place.*

In proceeding from this range in a northern direction, I am not
aware that any large deposites of magnetic iron are known to ex-
ist, until we reach the head waters of the Hudson, in Warren coun-
ty; although, according to Dr. Steel, two varieties of this ore are
found in the county of Saratoga.

At Warrensburgh, in the county of Warren, near the East river,
twelve miles from the village of Caldweil, this mineral occurs in
beds of considerable extent, and has there been worked by the
bloomery process, to be hereafter noticed. I received specimens
from Mr. Roberts, of Caldwell, possessing characters which ren-
dered their minute examination a matter of some interest. The *

* See Mr. Mather’s paper on the geology of the Highlands, in Silliman’s Journal,
Bue, 97.

22 [ AssEmMBLY

bed from which they were obtained, is described as being about

four feet in thickness, and-the first twenty tons taken from it are

said to have been of good quality—two tons of ore producing one
ton of iron. Encouraged by these results, the proprietor was in-
duced to enlarge his works, and eighty tons were raised during the
year. It was found, however, that the ore gradually changed its
character, and at length became unfit for the bloomery forge.

This ore has a granular structure, the grains being of various
sizes and colors, and evidently consisting of different minerals.
It is easily reduced to powder, and the grains are sometimes held
_ together by so feeble a cohesion, that they may be separated by a
slight blow of a hammer. The whitish, or transparent particles,

are usually about the size of a pin’s head, are scratched by fluor, ©

and effervesce with the acids. Small scales, of a steel grey color,
which soil the fingers and give a blackish trace upon paper, are
also disseminated through the mass.

From this description it is evident that the results of the analy-
sis of this ore must be more or less discordant. The following is
the mean of several trials:

Analysis of Magnetic Oxide of Iron, from Warrensburgh, Warren
! County.
Magnetic oxide of iron, ..seecseeesersess 70.80
Carbonate. of linte, 6: « s:s:0.0 spose 2250 eae'cles cee
Plumbago, woe sepeccos voce rosene cspens 3.00
SUIICR, (oc en sales bw see Ale aig hes gpwe pene 1.20

The occurrence of the large proportion of carbonate of lime
and plumbago is fatal to the employment of this ore in the bloom-
ery forge. Perhaps, however, by washing, or by the use of the
magnetic separating machine, it might be sufficiently freed from

these foreign matters. It is undoubtedly a valuable ore for the —

furnace.

The next important locality of the magnetic iron is in the town.

of Moriah, in Essex county. Within the circumference of six or
seven miles from Port Henry as a centre, several valuable beds
have been opened. One of these is situated on the bank of the
Jake, about half a mile north of the furnace erected by the late

No. 161.] 23

Major Daliba, and is known in the vicinity by the name of Crag:
Harbor. The deposite of ore at this place is about twelve feet
thick, and dips to the south-west at an angle of about 35° to 40°.
It is overlaid by a stratum of hornblende, and this mineral is also
a constant associate of the ore. It is probably to this circum-
stance that we are to ascribe the fact that it yields a hard and
brittle iron, which is unfit for many purposes to which that metal
is applied. But this’bed is so advantageously situated on the very
margin of the lake, and is moreover so extensive, as to warrant
y, the trial of a series of experiments for the purpose of determining

” whether this difficulty can be obviated. Probably, by mixing the

ore with one of a different kind, and by a proper adjustment of the

flux, this desirable end may be attained.

The Crag-Harbor ore is of a black color and semi-crystalline
structure, is tough, and with difhculty broken into fragments. It is
powerfully attracted by the magnet, and ordinarily possesses fee-
ble polarity. It is almost always accompanied by hornblende, and
good specimens of black mica may also be obtained in its immedi-
ate vicinity. In some specimens I have observed seams of iron
pyrites. The specific gravity of this ore is 4.729.

Apalysis of the Magnetic Oxide of Iron from Crag-Harbor, Essex
County. ~
PUMlOKIdG OF IFOM. Fein ss ce ceo aS wwvceeeions 24.50
Pe ORIGS Gl ION, closet <a 0b oe Sewic + cree Serer OO BO
SHG eR, MITE: GEC. te acl a sacha wines se e-ajeie . 9 Ba70

Proportion of metallic iron 65.23 in 100 of ore.

About a mile and a half south-west of Crag-Harbor, is another

“bed of this ore, similar in its geological associations to the depo-

site just described. It is not, however, overlaid by hornblende,
nor does it appear to be so highly inclined. The ore is of a grey-
ish black color, and contains grains of sulphuret of iron dissemina-
ted through it, which renders the operation of roasting necessary
previously to its introduction into the furnace. It is granular,
friable, and is said to furnish a softer iron, although it is less fusi-
ble.

The Sanford Ore Bed, situated six or seven miles west of Port-
Henry, is worthy of particular notice in the description of the iron

24 : | ASSEMBLY

ores of this district. The ore is of great purity, and is made up
of rounded or angular grains of various sizes, which cohere very
feebly. On account of this peculiarity in its structure, it can be
easily brought to the requisite state of mechanical division, a cir-
cumstance which appears greatly to facilitate its’subsequent reduc-
tion to the metallic state. This ore resembles that from the Ar-

nold bed more ee than any with which I am acquainted.

Clinton county is peculiarly rich in localities of magnetic iron,
Among these, the most extraordinary is that which is known by
the name of the Arnold bed; the ore from which has long enjoyed *
a high reputation, which analysis shows to be well deserved. In-
deed, I think it may be safely asserted, that it is one of the purest
and best ores that is now known in any part of the world. |=" ,

”

The Arnold Ore Bed is situated in a mountain of gneiss, about
three miles north-west of Clintonville. It has been traced nearly
three quarters of a mile, in a direction varying but little from
north and south, and it appears to be parallel with the strata of the
rock in which it is found. A shaft had been sunk to the depth of
250 feet; but owing, as I was informed, to the imprudent manner
in which the mining operations were conducted, it was completely
destroyed by the falling in of the upper strata of rock. Since
this occurrence, ore has been obtained from other parts of the same
deposite. The average width of the principal bed is about five
feet; but it sometimes extends to twelve or fourteen feet, and
again at others scarcely exceeds eightcen inches. It is crossed at
various places by a sort of ferruginous slate, called horse by the
miners, and which often embarrasses their operations.

The ore from this bed is of a bluish color, and is commonly
known by the name of blue ore. It is made up of granular parti-
cles, loosely united, and is free from foreign admixture, except a
minute portion of quartz. When reduced to powder, it is attrac-
ted by the magnet, but none of the masses which I subjected to
trial possessed magnetic polarity. Its specific gravity is 4.977.

Analysis of the blue ore from the Arnold bed.

Protexide of iron,’....'.. ssly veg eaietgarcatme Oi ane
Peroxide Of 1FOtiia ss ae ce ee Pee
Quartz (mechanically mixed,)............ 1.50

. 100.00
Proportion of pure iron, 70.42 in 100 of ore.

#;,

No. 161.] 25

Besides the principal bed, there are two others parallel with it,
the ores of which differ in their color, but are of nearly equal pu-
rity. In all cases, the ore separates perfectly and freely from the
walls of the bed, and is almost entirely free from foreign matiers.
The quartz which sometimes accompanies it, often has little cavi-
ties which contain imperfect crystals of tourmaline.

Two or three miles distant from this locality, ina westwardly
direction, is the Palmer Ore Bed. The geological relations of this
bed are similar in many respects to those of the former; but the
accompanying rock is of a more crystalline character. Large
masses of feldspar and of quartz frequently occur—mica_ being
more sparingly disseminated. The bed is in the direction of the
strata, and is from four to eight feet in width. The perpendicu-
lar depth of the mine was, at the time when I visited it, eighty-
eight feet. In one important particular, it differs from the Arnold
bed, and it is that the ore is largely mixed with quartz. and is not
bounded by a regular wall, but gradually loses itself in the accom-
panying rock. An average specimen of this ore yielded me,

Miamwetice Oxide. Of IFO: « oscneec odie occa. MOTB
erry Gs, “OY. SUNG, Se been cave see neae ss 40,70

pond
=)

0.0

coe
ae ee

In order to render the produce of this bed fit for the forge, the
magnetic separating machine is employed. The ore with its
gangue is first pounded by stampers worked by horse power, and
is then introduced into a cylinder, about two and a half feet in
diameter and five feet in length, studded with small magnets.
As the cylinder revolves, the pure ore is taken up by the magnets,
and then removed from them by brushes, when it falls down into
a small trough beneath. After this process of separation, the ore
is considered equal in value to that from the Arnold bed. It may be
remarked, that the separation of the ore from its gangue is some-
times effected in this district, by reducing the whole to a coarse
powder, and then allowing a current of water to pass through it;
by which means, the quartz and other earthy particles are carried
away, while the pure magnetic oxide remains. This mode is more
economical than the former, and by many practical men it is
thought to be equally effective.

[Assem, No. 161.] 4

26 | ASSEMBLY

Within the distance of four or five miles from the localities just
noticed, several other valuable beds of magnetic iron have been
opened. Of these, the most important are the Finch bed, which is
in fact a continuation of the Arnold bed, and those known by the
names of the Winter, the Peck, and the Cook ore beds. The ore
from these localities is generally good, although they yield some-
what variable proportions of iron. All of them would be consider-
ed rich and valuable, were it not for the very high standard of pu-
rity which the Arnold ore has established.

I find in Berthier’s Traité des Essais par la Voié Seche, the fol-
lowing analysis of a specimen of iron ore from the neighborhood
of Clintonville, but the particular locality is not given. The mine-

ral is described as having a Jamellar structure, a red powder, and © —

containing a mixture of red stony particles, resembling feldspar.

Analysis of Magnetic Oxide of Iron from near Clintonville, by
Berthier. :

Protexide ofiren,’ c2. ststieesis kechioc. nt, BEB
P6rGXide Of AON, 0 02 e-sja-o0 (avis uses see eee
Gangue, @eecewseoeeseereeeeeeeeeeeose sees BeOS 0.0038

1.000
Propertions of metallic iron by assay, 0.705.

In the south-western part of Clinton county, near Sampson’s
pond, is a bed of magnetic iron, which is known by the name of the
proprietor, Mr. Duncan. l|-regret that [have not yet received spe-
cimens of this ore, especially as its analysis is a matter of some im-
portance. Mr. Duncan informs me, that he has tried the ore with-
out any previous preparation except pounding, and after various
preliminary operations, as separation by magnets, washing, roast-
ing, &c. with nearly the same results. ‘‘It works well in the fire,
makes iron fast, and yields as much as most ores, but it is good for
nothing on account of cracks and flaws. ‘The iron generally
breaks into short pieces when hammered, and at some degrees of
heat (for instance, cherry red,) appears to have much less strength
than at different ones.”

From this description, the iron appears to be of that kind called
red or hot short; a peculiarity, which has been generally ascribed
to the presence of sulphur.

o

No. 161.] 27

In addition to the localities of magnetic ore just enumerated, we
have in the same county the Rutger and Cady ore beds; and from
the information which I] have received, I am induced to believe
that rich deposites of this mineral are to be found on the head wa-
ters of the Saranac river. ‘These however, I havenot yet had an
opportunity of visiting, nor do I possess any precise information
concerning them.

Several gentlemen in various parts of this county manifested
great interest in the objects of the survey, an daided much in the
prosecution of that part of the work assignedtome. Among these
I should particularly mention Judge Fisk, Messrs. Stetson, Tom-
linson, Simmons, and Barton, and Dr. Thomasof Keeseville; and
Messrs. H, Cady and Swetland of Plattsburgh.

The magnetic iron ore, the geographical range of which I am
now endeavoring to trace, is found in Franklin county, but per-
haps not so abundantly as in those counties through which we have
just passed. Some beds occur in the vicinity of Duane, about fif-
teen or twenty miles south of the main road through the county.
One of these, discovered a few years since, excited much interest in
consequence of its furnishing a kind of steel during its reduction in
the forge. Whether this was owing to some peculiarity in the ore
or in the process employed, it is not easy todetermine. Many of
the German ores yield natural steel, but they usually belong to the
species called spathic iron.

In passing through the western part of St. Lawrence county, I
frequently noticed the magnetic oxide of iron in the gneiss rock,
sometimes accompanied with hornblende as at Crag Harbour and,
sometimes without that associate. About seven miles south of
Potsdam a bed of this mineral occurs, whichsupplies a forge at that
village. And here, ason Lake Champlain, it appears to be accom-
panied by white marble, fine quarries of which are already opened,
and are contributing in no small degree to the prosperity of the
district in which they are situated.

Again, I have specimens of an excellent magnetic iron from the
townof De Kalbin this county; but it will hereafter be shown that
by far the largest proportion of the iron ores now known in St.
Lawrence belongs to the species generally described by mineralo-
gists under the name of specular iron. |

28 7 [| ASSEMBLY

I have thus noticed the principal localities of the magnetic oxide
of iron in this State; and have traced the deposites of this ore with
some interruption from the extreme southern part in a northern di-
rection nearly to the northern frontier, and thence westwardly
upwards of one hundred miles. Throughout this whole extent, the
ore 1s tolerably uniform in its character, and differs in value chiefly
in consequence of the proportions of foreign matter with which it
is mixed. The deposites generally have a northern and southern
direction, and are parallel with, and never at right angles to, the
strata of the rocks in which they occur. They are probably cotem-
poraneous with the rocks in which they exist, and may have been
separated by chemical affinity during the process of consolidation,
as suggested by Mr. Bakewell, or by galvanic agency, according
to the views entertained by Mr. Fox.*

SpecuutaR Iron Ore.—Under this name are now included many
varieties which pass into each other by almost imperceptible shades,
so that it is difficult to draw the line of specific distinction between
them. Common specular iron has a metallic appearance, is of a
steel grey or iron black color, and frequently occurs in the form
of crystals. The micaceous variety, has a lamellar structure, and
usually consists of small scales with a metallic lustre, and which
when held between the eye and light exhibit a blood red color.
Both these varieties when reduced to powder have the red color of
peroxide of iron, and they seldom have any action on the magnet.

When this species has lost its metallic appearance it is known
by the name of red iron stone, which includes red hematite found in
masses, stalactites, kidney-form balls, &c., and having a brownish |
red color and fibrous structure,—the compact and ochrey red iron
ores, which are massive and have a compact texture,—zron froth,
which is composed of scaly friable parts, which soil strongly and
have a color between cherry and brownish red. To these may be
added the red lenticular iron ore and the several varieties of clay
won ore.

Specular iron ore in a state of the greatest purity is a perox-
ide of iron, and is composed of 69.34 metallic iron, and of 30.66
oxygen in 100 parts. It seldom occurs in nature in this form, but
is generally mixed with other minerals, as silica, alumina, lime,

* See Bakewell’s Geology, and a paper on the Electro-Magnetic properties of veins, by
Robert W. Fox, in the Philosophical Transactions for 1830. re

No. 161.] 29

&e. and upon the proportion of these must depend the value of -
any particular kind of ore. Jn a table exhibiting the composition
of various foreign specimens of speeular iron, according to the
analyses of Berthier and others, I find the peroxide of iron to vary
from 28 to 99 per cent; the latter proportion being only found in
a specimen from the department of Moselle in France.* It may
be stated, as a sufficient evidence of the value of this ore, that in
the Island of Elba it has been worked since the time of the Ro-
mans, and that the iron obtained from it has always been held in
the highest estimation.

Extensive beds of red hematite occur at Ticonderoga and at
Crown Point on Lake Champlain, where it is employed in the
manufacture of iron, and is considered a very valuable ore. Being
in the vicinity of important deposites of the magnetic iron, with
which this ore may be advantageously mixed, these localities must
become of great value. The specimens which I have seen from
Ticonderoga, are nearly pure peroxide of iron, and the mineral is
here as in many other places, sometimes employed as a paint, as
it may be made to assume various tints of red by heat.

According to Col. Gibbs, common specular iron is found in the
primitive rocks near Lake Champlain,t but it seems to be by no
means common. As we proceed westwardly however, it becomes
more abundant. I received from Mr. Pierrepont of Brooklyn, a
specimen of the granular variety from a bed in the town of Pierre-
pont, St. Lawrence county, which on analysis proves to be perox-
ide of iron with three and a half per cent of silica. The propor-
tion of metallic iron which it contains is 67.25 per cent.

#

‘There are many localities of common specular iron in the coun.
ties of Jefferson and St. Lawrence. One of these specimens from
Alexandria in the former county, sent to me by Mr. John 8S. Ed-
wards, occurs in masses which have a somewhat lamellar structure.
Its color is steel grey, and when recently broken has a high me-
tallic lustre, but where it has been exposed it is often covered with
a yellowish coating. When the mineral is reduced to powder its
color is blackish red, and it is not at all acted on by the magnet.
It is often largely mixed with quartz, masses of which are some-
times seen disseminated through the ore. ‘The specific gravity of

* Traité des Essais par la Voié Seche: par M. P. Berthier, 11. 223,
+ Cleaveland’s Mineralogy.

30 [ ASSEMBLY

the ore is 5.05, and the foreign matters consisting chiefly of silica
and alumina, range from eight to fifteen per cent. The masses are
hard and with difficulty reduced to powder.

The towns of Hermon and Edwards, in St. Lawrence county,
contain many interesting and important localities of specular iron.
Of these, I was supplied with several specimens by Dr. Murdock
of Gouverneur, and by other gentlemen. They all have a high me-.
tallic lustre, and are often beautifully tarnished; sometimes they
are composed of laminze or plates and at others they are massive.
According to Mr. Shepard druses of Ienticular or micaceous crys-
tals, are found at Fowler in the same county.*

The relative value of the different varieties of this mineral, as of
those of the magnetic ore, depends in a great measure, upon the
proportion of foreign matter which they contain. Sometimes,
indeed, these accompanying substances are of such a nature as to
injure the quality of the iron obtaimed, although the ore may be
sufficiently rich in iron. Thus I observed in one specimen that the
laminz were separated by a beautiful green mineral, the phos-
phate of lime, and small masses of quartz were also contained in
different parts of it. When these were removed, an operation,
however, attended with some difficulty, I found the remaining por-
tion to be pure peroxide of iron.

The presence of phosphate of lime in an ore of iron, is deserv-
ing of much attention, as the charcoal employed during the process
of reduction has. the effect of decomposing it, at least in part,
while the liberated phosphorus combines witb the iron. If the pro-
portion of phosphorus be considerable, the iron becomes cold shert,,
or brittle when cold, although at a red heat it is as ductile as iron
of good quality. It may therefore be used for castings, but is un-
fit for bar iron.

While upon this subject it may not be irrelevant to remark, that
phosphorus so frequently contained in iron ores, and furnished even
by the ashes of the combustible, does not injure the quality of iron
unless it exists in a comparatively large proportion. According to
Karsten, a compound of 10,000 parts of iron and 50 of phospho-
rus, gives an iron of good quality, which resists the blow of a ham-
mer. A compound of 10,000 iron and 75 phosphorus, yields an

“ Treatise on Mineralogy, 11. 198.

No. 161.] 31

iron which frequently breaks by a blow; while an iron consisting
of 100 phosphorus and 10,000 iron, can not be bent toa right an-
gle.*

In other specimens of specular iron from this county, are found
imperfect crystals of sulphate of barytes. The power of this mi-
neral as a flux is such that these.ores cannot be advantageously
used in the common bloomery process; but its occurrence would
probably be no objection to their use in the furnace.

Kearney and Parish Ore Beds. These are beds composed chief-
ly of red iron ore, situated about four and a half miles south-west
of the village of Gouverneur. Although they are distinguished by
the names above given, they are not more than 80 or 100 rods dis-
tant from each other, and are undoubtedly parts of one vast de-
posite. Some idea of its extent may be formed from the fact that
the part opened by Mr. Parish is upwards of 500 feet, and through-
out this whole distance ore of good quality may be obtained. The
hill in which it occurs is from forty to fifty feet in height; and the
strata of ore, which seem to be nearly horizontal, are overlaid by
rocks belonging to the sandstone series. The boundaries of the
deposite have not yet been ascertained, but from appearances which
are every where presented, there can be little doubt that it extends
over a surface. of several thousand acres.

The ore at this locality is of a brownish red colour, with a mix-
ture of steel grey. It has a compact texture, and usually a dull
earthy aspect. ‘Sometimes its structure approaches to slaty. It
is often so hard as to give sparks with steel. Its specific gravity
is 4.855. Frequently it is associated with the micaceous variety
which soils strongly, and is known among the miners by the name
of black lead. The variety called iron froth is said to be also as-
sociated with that now described, as well as the somewhat trouble-
some mineral called tron flint.t

Analysis of the Red Oxide of Iron from the Kearney Ore Bed.

Peroxide of dongs <b. beet aids vps 's ote dks 0.96052
ileoa,..alumina, SLC. » «we a¢ is nes adeteionnaat’ 848

100.00
Proportion of metallic iron, 66.92 in 100.

* Traité de Chimie appliquée aux arts, par M. Dumas, 111. 66. I quote from Dumas
as I have not yet had an opportunity of consulting the work of Karsten.

} See a paper by Mr. Finch on the Geology and Mineralogy of St. Lawrence county,
in Silliman’s Journal, x1x. 220,

32 | ASSEMBLY

This ore, when properly selected, is of good quality, and yields
in the large way fifty per cent of pig iron, of which 2,600 lbs. are
said to yield a ton of wrought iron. I was informed by an intel-
ligent iron smelter at Gouverneur that by a due mixture of the bog
ore with this species, the iron was greatly improved in quality.

The ore from the Parish and Kearney beds is usually sold at fif-
ty cents a.ton, and can be delivered at furnaces near the natural
dam of the Oswegatchie at two dollars aton. Andshould this stream
be made navigable to Gouverneur, a mineral region of great impor-
tance will at once be opened up.

I should not omit to state that in my examination of the ores of
this county, I received much aid from gentlemen residing in dif- -
ferent parts of it.. To Dr. I. B. Crawe of Ogdensburgh, I am in-
debted for several interesting specimens, and for directing me to
some important localities. I am also under obligation to Messrs.
Stilwell, Judson, Perkins, Gilbert, Bush, and Grant, of Ogdens-
burgh; Messrs. Miller and Hurlbut of Morristown, and Mr. Dodge
of Gouverneur, for the assistance which they rendered me in the
prosecution of my inquiries.

Lenticular Clay Iron Ore. This mineral, which is also known
by the name of argillaceous iron ore, is generally considered as a
variety of specular iron. It is very interesting in consequence of
its great abundance throughout the western part of the State. It
is said to extend in an uninterrupted stratum or layer from near
Little Falls on the Mohawk, to thirty miles beyond the Niagara
river. There is a single unbroken stratum of this ore 250 miles
long and 20 miles broad, and generally from twelve to twenty
inches thick.* According to Dr. Steel the same variety occurs in
the county of Saratoga.

This ore consists of lenticular or flattened grains of various si-
zes, which apparently have been made to cohere by the pressure
applied to the mass. Its usual colour is brownish red, its powder
being more red. It is very friable, soils the fingers, and has but
little lustre. The specific gravity of a specimen from Wolcott, in
Wayne county, is 3.740. It appears to be a decomposed carbo-
nate of iron, and is similar to those ores called mines douces, by
the French.t The infiltration of water, acting in a slow and im-

* Silliman’s Journal, vi11. 196.
t Berthier, Traité des Egsais par la Voie Seche, 11, 256.

No. 161.] 83

perceptible manner, is supposed to be the cause which has produ-
ced this decomposed form of the ore.

If I am correct in my conjecture concerning the nature of this
mineral, that it belongs to the series of argillaceous carbonates of
iron, it is worthy of particular notice that one of the most striking
geological peculiarities of the ores last mentioned, is their almost
‘universal occurrence in the immediate vicinity of a stratum of
coal. For the facts in regard to this point, I beg leave to refer to
an able Memoir on the Argillaceous Carbonate of Iron, by Hugh
Colquhoun, M. D.*

Analysis of Lenticular Clay Iron Ore, from Wolcott, Wayne Co.

Pravorite GE iTONs 2.56 Gina's, web see ae eins ces 9150
omvonate: of Hino... s. dans dos ownmas sary 24600
Carbonate of magnesia, ..¢s.ccne..eceenss 7.73
PCa en eek Nae Mee Se owe ee eee. . OOF
Pea ES SR ON TOR EER VOL BD
miovsiure and:-loss, 04. .s8 Li. SEO led D075

100.00

———= :
SS

The above proportion of peroxide of iron is equivalent to 35.70
of metallic iron. Iam informed that the ore yields in the large
“way abcut 32 per cent of iron.

Some other localities of speeular iron ore, probably Iess impor-
tant than those above noticed, remain to be particularly examined.
Thus the common variety is said to have been found in small
quantities near Catskill; the micaccous, at Fort-Lee; the argilla-
ceous red oxide and clay iron stone, in the counties of Columbia
and New-York, and on Long-Island.

Limonttre—Hydrous peroxide of iron.—This species, which here
usually occurs in beds, is widely diffused. It is one of the most

* Brewster’s Edinburgh Journal of Science, VIII. 71. I have already remar‘ed, that
the true argillaceous carbonate of iron does not occur in any quantity in this State. Jtis
with some hesitation that [ have offerea the suggestion, that our lenticular ore is a//ied to
that mineral. After repeated experiments, I have no reason to think that in the specimen
which I examined, any portion of the carbonic acid is combined with the oxide of iron,
and yet this may turn out to be the case with specimens from other localities. ‘The ave-
rage loss of weight by calcination, after drying at a heat of 200° or 300°, was 16.75 per
cent. This ore is on several accounts deserving of a careful examination.

[Assem. No. 161.] 5

B84 | ASSENBEY

important of our ores, and furnishes a considerable proportion of
the iron now produced in the State. Its colors are various shades
of brown; it has a yellowish streak; is usually opaque; has no ac-
tion on the magnet; and its specific gravity is about 3.922.

Limonite includes the several varieties formerly known by the
names of brown hematite, or fibrous brown iron ore; compact
brown iron ore; granular, common, pisiform and reniform clay iron
ore; brown iron ochre, &c. It is supposed to be a hydrate of the per-
oxide of iron, the proportions of peroxide of iron and of water be-
ing as 85.3 peroxide of iron and 14.07 water in 100; so that in
its purest form it contains 59.10 metallic iron in 100 of ore.
It generally, however, contains various other substances, either in
combination or in mixture; as silica, alumina, lime, oxide of man-
ganese, and some compound of zine. Titanium has, also, in some
instances, been found associated with it.

I shall now present some notices of the localities of this valuable
ore in various parts of our State.

On Staten-Island, five miles south-west of the quarantine, on the
road to Richmond village, there are beds of brown hematite of
some extent. The ore is sometimes massive, and at others, con-
sists of spherical grains of various sizes, united by a ferruginous ce-
ment, and known by the name of shot ore. It often has a shining
surface, and appears to be mixed and coated with tale. Brown
and yellow ochres are also found here, and are used by the inha-
bitants as paints. These ores contain 12 or 13 per cent of water.

Dungin’s mine is situated about a mile and a half north of that
just described. The ore is similar to the preceding.

In consequence of the scarcity of fuel, no furnaces have been
erected in the immediate vicinity of these beds. The ore has for
several years been transported in considerable quantity to Egg-
Harbor, but whether it is smelted there or carried elsewhere I
could not ascertain. :

On Long-Island, the argillaceous oxide of iron is found near Plan-
dome, in small columns.*

On the island of New-York, the bog ore occurs in large beds.

*

* Cleaveland’s Mineralogy.

No. 161.] 35

According to Messrs. Pierce and Torrey, it is reddish brown, cel-
jular, and contains much oxide of manganese.*

Orange county contains many extensive beds of Limonite, but I
have not yet had an opportunity of visiting them, nor can I at pre-
sent give a particular description of them.

In the county of Dutchess, there are most valuabie beds of brown
hematite. These I have particularly examined, and I was no less
surprised at their great extent, than gratified with the flourishing
condition of the manufactories established in their vicinity. I had
supposed that the wealth of this county was derived wholly from
its agricultural products; but it only required a visit to the locali-
ties about to be described, to satisfy me that in two important mi-
nerals, viz. iron ore and marble, it contains treasures of no ordina-
ry value. And I am happy to be enabled to state, that in all those
parts of it through which I passed, much interest was manifested
in the objects of the survey. My thanks are especially due to
Gen. Cunningham, of Poughkeepsie, for the facilities which he af-
forded me in the examination of the various mines and iron works
of this interesting district.

Fishkili Ore Bed.—This is the ore bed belonging to the Fishkill
Iron Company. It is situated about three miles north-east of the
village of Hopewell. The hill in which it occurs presents no pe-
culiarity that I could discover, except that its surface is made up
of coarse gravel, and has a rounded form in various places. The
ore is covered by a stiff whitish clay, and is intermixed with the
same substance, called fuller’s eurth by the miners. Quartz is also
one of the accompanying minerals, and a sort of slate is often
found in the centre of the masses of ore, which causes some. incon-
venience to the smelter. The whole bed is made up of nodules of
ore of various sizes and forms, but usually rounded, which are co-
vered, and apparently cemented together with a yellowish-brown
clayey ochre. These nodules are often hollow, and when this is
the case, the inner surface is highly polished and has the appear-
ance of having been fused. Sometimes, also, beautiful stalactites,
of various sizes and forms, are found in these balls, and occasion-
ally there is observed a thin lining of a black powdery matter, re-
sembling plumbago, which is believed to be oxide of manganese.
The structure of the ore is fibrous, and its color brown.

* Cleaveland’s Mineralogy.

— [Assenenr

This bed is worked by levels or burrows carried in various di-
rections through the hill in which it is situated. These excava-
tions have already extended to the distance of ninety or an hundred
fect from the entrance. The roof of these burrows is from twelve
to thirty feet above the floor, and is supported by pillars of ore,
from five to ten feet in thickness. The ore alternates with the
clay and slate, and from what I subsequently observed, Linfer that
the led rests upon mica slate, although I did not find that reck in
the immediate vicinity. Independently of the interest which this
locality. possesses in a mineralogical point of view, the judicious
manner in which the mining operations are conducted, renders it
worthy of particular notice.

Clive Ore Bed.—This is an extensive deposite of brown hema-
tite, sifuated in the south-western part of the town of Unionvalle.
The general appearance of the Inll in which this occurs does not
differ much from that of the Fishkill ore bed, but it appears to be
more extensive, at least it has been more extensively explored.
In most instances it has been worked to the day; large excavations
having been made in various places, which communicate with some
central point by means of roads or rail-ways. The Dover Iron
Company have, however, sunk a well or shaft, and are construct-
ing a level to intersect it, a mode of working which promises to
be highly advantageous. The ore is in general similar to that
found at the Fishkill bed, but perhaps there is a larger proportion of
the ochrey, or fine ore, as it is here called, which is usually consi-
dered more valuable than the other varieties.

Foss’ Ore Bed.—Proceeding from the Clove bed in a north-west-
ern direction, after crossing Chesnut Ridge, we come to a deposite
of ore known by the above name, in the town of Dover, about a
mile and a half W. S. W. from the furnace of the Dover Iron
Company. This bed is situated in a valley between two spurs of
the mountain which passes through this part of the county, and it
is particularly interesting, as showing the association of the hema-
tite with the mica slate, which occurs here in strata of ‘some thick-
ness, and contains garnets of various sizes. In extent, however,
this bed appears to be inferior to either of those already noticed.
The ore is in much larger masses, and is not only more difficultly
reduced to powder, but contains a larger proportion of foreign
substances.

No. 161.) . 37

Amenia Ore Bed.—Passing through Dover Plains, in the vicinity
of which are inexhaustible quarries of white and colored marbles
of excellent quality, we find another deposite of hematite in the
north-western part of the town of Amcnia. This is truly a mag-
nificent locality, whether we consider the quality or the enormous
quantity of the ore. Supplies are here obtained for the Amenia
Iron Company, and for several furnaces in the State of Connecti-
cut. The bed has been opened at various places for the distance

-of 100 yards, and the ore presents all the varieties observed at. the

celebrated Salisbury deposite. It often occurs in the form of sta-
lactites of various sizes, and possessing uncommon beauty. The
same high polish, or blackish sooty matter, is observed on the
surface of the nodules, and they not unfrequently have a light
brown color, and a structure so distinctly fibrous as to bear a
considerable resemblance to wood. <A fragment of a stalactite
from this locality, was found to have a specific gravity of 3.828;
and to lose upon calcination 13.5 per cent of its weight. The
composition of this specimen will probably be a fair average of
that of the pure hematitic variety from the various localities in
this county.

Analysis of Brown Hematite from the Amenia Ore Bed,
Prod Of, 10g. 6 acct oald doe om ewe ee lve, 82.90
Get ATIOL ALIPAY, wags 0r+ s Sie. orne Se seb eet 3.60
ON MUO Sis dceioretaea sat lertwee ou iatineseae eb oaO

Oxide of manganese, 66.6 265i esc escee ee, thace

, 100.00
Proportion of metallic iron, 57.50 per cent.

The iron region which has just been described is undoubtedly a
part of the great series of deposites which has been traced in a
nearly northern direction through the States of Connecticut, Massa-
chusetts and Vermont. ‘Thus this ore is known to occur at Kent
‘and Salisbury in Connecticut, at Lenox and Richmond in Massa-
chusetts, and at Bennington, Pittsford and Monkton in Vermont.
At almost all these localities it is accompanied by an ore of zine,
although in proportions too small to be detected by ordinary analy-
sis; and in Vermont it is associated with the oxide of manganese,
At the Ancram furnace in Columbia county, where the Salisbury
ore isemployed, layers of oxide of zinc are formed in the chimney,
and the same thing is also observed at other furnaces where thig

: 38 | [ASSEMBLY _

ore is used. A specimen of this substance, which I obtained at
Ancram, having a yellowish colour, gave upon analysis the follow-
ing results in 100 parts. viz.

Carbon ys ee. o wap RL Set BPP. SA tl Cit ae

Oxide of iron, css ods wea Loe Fas! 12 eo

Oxide of zinc, sie). dG She Gaus... Sao See ee

100.00

See SS

On the eastern borders of the State, near Ancram, the hematitic.
ore is also found; and ata place called Boston Corners, between the
State of New-York and Connecticut, is an extensive deposite of it.

In proceeding towards the north we meet with many interesting
and important localities of limonite in some one or other of its
varieties. Thus in various parts of Albany county, bog iron ore is
very abundant. It is here, as elsewhere, usually found in swampy
or marshy ground, and affords a fine illustration of those chemical
operations which are continually going on in nature, as the ore is
evidently deposited from water, which, by its excess of carbonic
acid, holds the oxide of iron in solution.

We are informed by Dr. Steel that the bog iron is abundant on
the plains between Saratoga and Ballston Springs. It occurs along
the bottoms and banks of small streams, or at the bottom of the
hollows that are sometimes filled with water, -

In Washington county, beds of brown hematite of considerable
value have already been opened. At the head of South Bay, in
the town of Fort-Ann, is an abundant deposite, and the same variety
is also found in a northwestern direction from the former, about a
mile and a half from the village of Whitehall. The ore is quite
similar to that from the Salisbury and Amenia beds, and is in good
repute among manufacturers.

In the northern part of the State, above Crown Point, this kind of
ore is comparatively of rare occurrence. Franklin, Jefferson and
St. Lawrence counties, however, contain some important localities
of bog ore, which are usually on the banks of streams, and furnish
iron of an excellent quality. The latter county is particularly rich
in this mineral; especially the towns of Madrid and Brasher.—
For the following notice of some of the localities in that region
I am indebted to the kindness of William Ogden, Esq. of Wad-
dington. :

No. 161.] | 39

The bed from which the Waddington Furnace is supplied is
situated near the river La Grasse, about two anda half miles from
the village of Columbia, and about seven miles from the village of
Waddington. ‘There are three varieties of ore differing very little
in their composition. One consists of large lumps, and is known
by the name of pan ore; another, in small masses more or less round-
ed, is called shot ore; and lastly, the ochrey ore is called loam ore.
All these varieties have a reddish yellow colour when reduced to
powder; and by calcination lose from 18 to 20.5 percent. After
this operation they become black and are freely taken up by the
magnet, although before they are subjected to heat they are notin
the slightest degree influenced by it. -

Analysis of Bog lron Ore from the River La Grasse, St. Lawrence

County.
Brees ile OF POM, ks wins 0's sraniel eee whsce ob aig. TE OO
MECH ARG AMINA, » oe eric sec eres 08 SeNelale « 8.50

Water, . eor>e eos se eee berseee eee se 608 Fe 76H HBO 20.56

Proportion of metallic iron, 49.23 per cent.

The extent of this bed has never been fully ascertained; but Mr.
Ogden is of opinion that it is sufficient to carry the furnace fifteen
or twenty years.

Another valuable bed of the same ore has been recently disco-
vered near the boundary of the towns of Madrid and Louisville.
~And another one, said to be of great extent, is situated in the town
of Brasher, on the Deer river. The variety called pan ore pre-
dominates, and it isof an excellent quality. A furnace has re-
cently been put in operation about a quarter of a mile from this
bed.

Such being the results of my inquiries and observations concern-
ing the more important ores of iron, I will briefly notice some oth-
er compounds of iron which occur in this State. The magnetic iron
sand, which consists of minute crystals, or fragments of crystals,
and is interesting in consequence of its sometimes containing tita-
nium, occurs on the banks of the Hudson, at Cold Spring, and on
the banks of many of the streams in the Highlands—at the head of
Lake George—at Port-Henry, on Lake Champlain—on the shores
of Lake Erie, and at Geneva; and probably various other locali-

40 { ASSEMBLY

ties will hereafter be added. This sand is of a fine glossy black
color, is frecly attracted by the magnet, and may thus be freed
from the sandy particles with which it is usually mixed. When
it occurs in large quantities, it becomes a valuable ore, as it may
be easily separated from the sand, and does not require to be sub-
jected to the processes of roasting and pounding.

I subjected to analysis a portion of magnetic iron sand from Port-
Henry, on Lake Champlain, after it had been separated by the mag-
net. It was found to be pure magnetic oxide of iron, and contain-
ed no titanium,

With regard to the occurrence of this sand, it may be observed
that the theory commonly entertained is, that it has proceed-
ed from the disintegration of rocks which are contiguous, and
which abound in crystals of magnetic iron. This is said to be
the case at West-Haven, Connecticut, where it occurs on the
beach which forms the margin of the sea shore, while contiguous
to the beach is a formation of chlorite slate, abounding with mi-
nute crystals of magnetic iron. These crystals, liberated from
the slate and broken by the action of,the waves, are said io consti-
tute the magnetic sand of the beach.* Now, although the expla-
nation here given may be applicable to this locality, it cannot, it
seems to me, be received as a general one. ‘The iron sand fre-
quently occurs at a great distance from beds of magnetic iron, and
moreover its chemical composition is oftentimes so very peculiar
as to forbid the idea that it has been produced in the mode just
described.

Bisulphuret of Iron, or Iron Pyrites.—This is among the most
abundant of the compounds of iron. It sometimes occurs crystalli-
zed; but when in large quantities, it is often massive. At Rossie,
in St. Lawrence county, small crystals are found which have the
angles of the cube truncated—a form by no means common.

This mineral, in consequence of the bronze or brass yellow co-
lor which it usually possesses, is often mistaken for one of great
value. But its hardness, and the sulphurous odour which it emits
on being heated, characterize it sufficiently. It is seldom used to
furnish iron, but is chiefly valued for the sulphate of iron (copper-
as) which it produces when exposed to air and heat. This manu-

¢ } : )

* Silliman, in Cleveland’s Mineralogy.}

No. 161.] _ ‘ 4]

facture is prosecuted in some parts of the United States, and has
recently been commenced in Canton, St. Lawrence county, where
this ore occurs in vast quantities. In those cases where the py-
rites is mixed with alumine or clay, it may also be employed in
the manufacture of alum.

In some instances this change takes place spontaneously. The
sulphuret of iron, being composed of sulphur and iron; by the
agency of the oxygen of the air, the iron is oxidated, and the sul-
phur is converted into sulphuric acid, the result of which is the
formation of sulphate of iron. It is in this way that we are to
account for the occurrence of native copperas in the vicinity of
beds of sulphuret of iron. And this deserves to be noticed as an-
other of those natural chemical processes, the careful study of
which has led to its imitation by the manufacturer—a striking
proof of the benefits derived from well directed chemical re-
searches.

A fact of some interest in regard to this mineral, is its occur-
rence in comparatively small quantities in the ores usually employ-
ed in furnishing iron. When we advert to the injurious effect
which sulphur has on iron, and to the ease with which the sulphu-
ret of iron is decomposed by heat, it will not be difficult for us to
understand how this mineral, although in minute proportion, may
be a most troublesome ingredient of an ore. Its presence can in
most cases be detected by the eye, or by the sulphurous odour
which is given off when the ore is subjected to roasting—an ope-
ration which should in no case be omitted where it occurs in any
considerable proportion.

Arsenical Iron—Mispiekel.—The compounds of arsenic and iron
known by these names, occur in some parts of the State, and are
equally, if not more injurious to the manufacture of iron than the
pyrites. They are found in Dutchess and in Orange counties; in
the latter also the titaniferous iron is met with. Arsenical iron
associated with tabular spar and colophonite abounds in the town

of Lewis, Essex county.

Having thus laid before you an account of our principal deposi-
tories of iron ore, it is necessary to the completion of my design,
and quite consistent with the popular nature of this report, to add
some remarks upon the present condition of the manufacture of

[Assem. No. 161.] 6

42 - [AssemB.y®

iron in this State. And if from the review about to be made, any
suggestions should arise calculated to improve and extend it, one
of the great objects of this whole inquiry will be attained.

Present condition of the Manufacture of Iron in-the State of
New-York.

The value of the iron manufactured in the State of New-York
in 1810, has been estimated at $859,895. At that time there were
in the counties of Clinton and Essex, one bloomery and 12 forges,
at which 259 tons were manufactured, besides 100 tons from the
furnaces.* In 1830, the number of iron works and trip hammers
in the State, was 335, of which the Fourth and Fifth Senatorial Dis-
tricts contained no less than 176. According to the census re-
turns made in 1835, the number of iron works and trip hammers
_ was 434, and the value of the iron manufactured was $4,713,530,
being an increase since 1830, of nearly 100 iron works and trip
hammers, and in the value of iron manufactured of upwards of
$1,000,000. And I have reason to believe, from the spur which
has recently been given to this manufacture, that the number of
iron works, and consequently the value of the iron manufactured,
will be greatly increased during the ensuing year. Should this be
the case, the manufacture of iron will be to us a branch of indus-
try second in importance only to that connected with our agricul-
tural productions.

The prosperity of the manufacture of iron in any country must
depend mainly upon the abundance of the raw material, and the
low price at which it can be obtained. It is essential also to its
success that the iron produced be of good quality.

From the sketch which has been presented of the geographical
distribution of the ores of iron throughout our State, it is evident
that there is a supply for the utmost demand. ‘There is, however,
a considerable difference in the quality of these ores—or what
amounts to the same thing, mauufacturers give a decided prefe-
rence to those from particular localities, which thus have a greatly
increased value, while others have been in a measure neglected,
or at least considered of little importance. Making every allow-
ance for the natural superiority of some ores, this result may in
part, be ascribed to the want of skill in conducting the mining ope-
rations, and in following out the details of the manufacture.

* Tench Coxe’s Statement of Arts and Manufactures in the United States.

No. 161.] 43

In regard to the first of these points, it may be remarked, that
the raising of the ores has heretofore been generally conducted in
the rudest and most careless manner. With a few exceptions, the
whole object of the proprietors of our mines, seems to have been

to obtain a present supply of ore at the easiest and cheapest rate.
Hence excavations have often been improperly made, and fine beds
of ore have not unfrequenly been rendered valueless by the falling in
of rocks, or by vast collections of rubbish which have accumulated.
The consequence of these injudicious, and in some instances, ruin-
ous operations, the result oftentimes of false notions of economy,
has been to render this branch of mining a peculiarly expensive
and precarious employment. ‘This of course must have an effect
upon the manufacturer; and it is not too much to say, that until
the business of mining is pursued with that science and skill which
are brought to bear upon it in other countries, there will be want-
ing in our case one important element of success.

A review of the processes of manufacture pursued in some parts
of the State will, I think, afford another clue to the causes which
have served to depress this branch of industry. And as this is
one of the most important topics connected with the practical part
of this investigation, I trust you will excuse me for entering some-
what into detail.

In the description of the ores of iron which I have already given,
it will be observed that some of them are nearly pure; that is,
consist almost entirely of iron and oxygen in variable proportions.
Such are many of the ores found in the. northern counties, in Or-
ange county, &c. As it is only necessary, in order to convert
these pure minerals into metallic iron, that they should be depriv-
ed of the oxygen which they contain, the reduction may be effected
in a very simple manner. ‘They are accordingly often mixed with
a proper proportion of charcoal, and subjected to heat in a low or
Catalan forge. A part of the carbon combining with the oxygen
of the ore, passes off in the form of carbonic acid gas; while a va-
riable proportion of the carbon also combines with the iron, and
causes the formation of cast iron, steel, or malleable iron, accord-
ing to circumstances. If the application of the heat be discontinu-
ed after the first reduction of the ore; the result will be cast iron;
but as the object in this case is usually to obtain malleable iron by
a single process, charcoal is added and the heat continued until the
cast iron loses its liquidity, and is converted into a loup, as it is

44 [ AssEmBLy

termed, after which it is brought under heavy hammers and form-
ed into bars of various sizes and forms. When a peculiar ore, as
the spathic iron, is employed, the product of this process is an in-
ferior kind of steel. :

This forge has justly been styled the most humble and probably
the oldest workshop of iron, and was formerly in general use
where the ores were sufficiently pure to admit of its employment.
As it could be erected at a trifling expense, it enabled the small
capitalist to prosecute the manufacture in situations where fuel was
abundant, and it often employed the farmer in the intervals of
agricultural labor. These are perhaps the principal reasons why
the forge is so generally employed in the northern part of the
State. But I think it may be safely affirmed, that its employment
is wasteful, and as fuel becomes less abundant and capital increases,
it must give place to the improved furnace.*

It is evident from the description of the process which has just
been given, that the conversion of the cast iron into malleable iron
in the open forge, takes place during the free exposure of the for-
mer to heat and air in contact with the combustible. There must,
however, be great waste both of fuel andof ore. Facts prove the
correctness of this assertion. I was informed by an intelligent
manufacturer in Clinton county, that three tons of the best ore,
such as that from the Arnold mine, are required for producing one
ton of malleable iron, and that five hours was the average time
consumed in carrying the ore to the state of rough bar, one hun-
dred and fifty pounds being the usual weight of the loup. Now
analysis shows that the Arnold ore contains about 72 per cent of me-
tallic iron, and although great allowance is to be made for the waste
necessarily attendant upon metallurgic processes, we may fairly
conclude that when it amounts, as it does in the present case, to
fifty per cent, there must be some defect in the process of reduction.

The clay iron stone so extensively used in Great Britain, seldom
contains more than thirty-five per cent of metallic iron, and yet it
-jg stated, that three tons of this ore yield about one ton of cast
iron, and this last again loses about ten or twelve per cent of its
weight by conversion into refined iron, so that about three and a
half tons of the ore yield a ton of refined iron. The difference
will be more apparent from the following statement.

* See Col. Gibbs’ observations on the iron works at Vergennes, Vermont, in Bruce’s
American Mineralogical Journal, p. 80. :

No. 161.] 45

Three tons of Arnold ore at 72 per cent, == 4,838 Ibs. metallic iron.
Three and one-half do. clay iron stone
at 35 per cent, ..ccee cecves coccee s == 2,744 do, do.

' 2,094

Showing that by the process of which we are now speaking, for
every ton of rough bar iron obtained, there is a waste of nearly
another ton of metallic iron. And in this estimate nothing has
been allowed for the loss which these bars suffer in the various
operations to which they are subjected previously to their prepa-
ration for the manufacture of nails, &c.

The important influence which the facts just stated must exert
upon the manufacture of iron in the district where this process is
almost exclusively employed, can scarcely be doubted, when it is

stated that the price of ore is seldom less than five dollars the ton.

To all this should be added the waste of fuel, which I am satisfied
may be fairly set down to this mode of manufacture.

Another, and perhaps more serious objection, to the process un- |
der examination, is the want of uniformity in the texture of the
iron, and its unfitness for many uses to which this metal is applied.
This is owing to the alternate mixture of steely grains with those
of the malleable iron, a result which no care can prevent. Hence
chain cables manufactured from this kind of iron, although they
are sufficiently tough in some parts, in others have a tenacity so
inconsiderable as to be easily destroyed by the weight applied to
them. To the same want of uniformity in the texture is to be as-
cribed the rapidity with which they are oxidated by exposure to
the atmosphere.

In adverting to these facts, I trust that I shall not be accused of
a want of interest in our manufactures. They are, it is believed,
well known to most of our manufacturers, and my object in thus
noticing them, is to urge the importance of the introduction of a
less exceptionable process than that which has just been described.
The iron ores of the northern counties will not suffer in the com-
parison with any in the world, and there is no reason, if proper
attention be paid to the manufacture, that the iron of that district
should not be as valuable as any other. |

The Dannemora iron ore, from which the most celebrated Swe-
dish iron is obtained, is similar in its characters to the primitive

46 | ASSEMBLY

ores just referred to. It sometimes, however, contains, as we are
informed by Dr. Thomson, a portion of carbonate of lime, and is
also associated with quartz and with hornblende. In the proecss
of reduction the ore is broken into small pieces, roasted, and then
put into conical shaped furnaces, constructed of the slag from cast
iron, which is found to answer the purpose fully as well as bricks,
and to ccme much cheaper. In these furnaces it is mixed with the
requisite quantity of charcoal, but the addition of limestone is sel-
dom necessary, because it exists already in the ore. Here it is
melted and separated from the slag, which is allowed to run off, or
is cast into bricks, according as it is wanted. ‘The cast iron ob-
tained by this process, is as white as silver, very hard and brittle,
and is not liable to rust; but in this state it can not be applied to
any useful purpose in consequence of its brittleness. This iron is
converted into malleable iron by heating it in a bed of charcoal
and oxide of iron, and hammering it out into bars while hot. In’
this state it is whiter than common iron, of a distinctly fibrous tex-
ture, and is much stouter than any species of iron whatever.*

There is still some uncertainty in regard to the cause of the su-
periority of the Dannemora iron. By some it is ascribed to the
presence of manganese. Berzelius supposes it due to the presence
of the metallic basis of silica. Another author again refers the su-
periority to the mixture of carbonate of lime which the ore contains.
And finally, it has been ascribed principally to the process employ-
ed, for it is asserted that by following a similar mode of manufac-
ture, as good iron has been obtained from other Swedish ores as
from that of the Dannemora-mine.

In those parts of the State where what are called high furnaces,
are in use, the leading principles of the process of smelting are
well understood, and in some cases a considerable degree of per-
fection has been attained. But so many circumstances enter into
the iron smelter’s manufacture, and an attention to each of them is
so important to the success of the whole, that with so few of the
necessary data which we possess, it is a striking proof of the ingenui-
ty of our countrymen, that they have been enabled to prosecute it
with even tolerable success. It is now admitted, that in order to
carry on this branch of art in the most advantageous manner, it is
essential that the chemical composition of the ore should be accu-

* Dr. Thomson’s Travels in Sweden,

No. 161.] , 47

rately determined, as well as that of the flux to be used, of the
slag or seoria formed during the process, and finally of the iron
which is the result. Investigations of this kind have been prose-
cuted for some years in Sweden, France, Germany and England,
and the result has been the introduction of improvements by means
of which the ores have been made to vield a larger quantity and a
better quality of iron than was formerly obtained from them.

It cannot be doubted, that if similar researches were made in
our own State, they would have a most important influence upon
the iron manufacture.

It has already been stated, that when the ore is of great purity
the process of reduction is exceedingly simple. But as the ores
most generally used contain earthy bodies, as silica, alumina, &c.
in considerable proportions, the business of the iron smelter con?
sists in fusing the earths, and in oxidizing the ore by the agency
of carbonaceous matter. But silica, when subjected to high heat
in contact with oxide of iron, unites with it, and forms a silicate
which cannot be reduced by carbon. It is therefore of great im-
portance to prevent the formation of this compound. One of the
means by which this end may be attained, is the roasting of the
ore, an operation which is too often neglected by our manufactu-
rers. By being previously roasted, the ore loses its water, if it
contains any; the carbonic acid and volatile matters are also
driven off, and it is brought to that porous state which permits the
flame to come into contact with each of its particles, and thus the
metal is reduced before the silicates can be formed. Another ad-
vantage gained by the roasting of the ore is, that we avoid ina
great measure the evolution of the gases in the furnace, which not
only obstruct the free passage of flame, but have a tendency to
coolit. Itis therefore of the greatest importance that particu-
lar attention should be paid in all cases to the process of roasting;
but especially so, when the more compact kinds of magnetic and
specular ores are employed. As the operation is analogous to the
burning of limestone, it may be performed either in the open air,
or in furnaces constructed for the purpose, as may be found most
convenient and economical.*

In most cases, however, the roasting is not sufficient to effect the
complete separation of the matters which prevent or retard the re-

PRAISE RD A LSE SSS eves ew a AEN YE anh Se mes Sy
* For descriptions of processes and apparatus, see Dumas Traité de Chimie appliquée
aux arts, IV. 619.

48 | ASSEMBLY

duction of the metal. In order to facilitate the operation, sub-
stances are added which are denominated fluzes, the use of which
is to bring the earthy matters mixed or combined with the oxide
of iron to a state of thin fusion or liquidity, so that the particles of
metallic i iron, having been formed by the action of the carbon, may
run together and fall down to the bottom of the furance. It is evi-
dent, therefore, that the nature of the flux must differ with that of
the ore. When silicious matter predominates, limestone is used,
so that the silica may form with it a fusible compound, and thus
liberate the metal. On the contrary, when an ore contains car-
bonate of lime, this substance being also infusible, a silicious flux
is then to be employed.* ;

From this view of the nature and use of fluxes, it is apparent
that they cannot be employed in an arbitrary or empyrical man-
ner. The particular kind, as well as the proportion, must be de-
termined by the chemical composition of the ore; and it is very
seldom that two ores so closely resemble each other as to allow
the use of exactly the same flux.

With the exception of the lenticular argillaceous oxide of the
western part of the State, and the magnetic iron from Warrens-
burgh, all the ores which I have examined are silicious or alumi-
nous, and require for their reduction a flux composed chiefly of
carbonate of lime. A limestone very highly esteemed for this pur-
pose is obtained in Putnam county. It is white, granular, and so
friable that it may be easily crushed by the fingers. Its composi-
tion in 100 parts is as follows:

Carbonic aeids sls in), Sisk bens oct ces Ae
PANE, soos cscs esse beep Dees Coen sae cop) tae
WHICG, cases suns guchad cosswechcewesecn” "Rae

=o oD

100.00

apatanetohegemneeeeeel
SS eee

It is therefore nearly pure carbonate of lime, and it probably
owes its superiority to its being so friable and granular. Another
limestone, compact, and of a bluish colour, found in various parts
of Dutchess county, is also devoted to the same use, and is in good
repute. It contains from three to five pat cent of foreign matter,
principe: silica.

* On this subject I would refer to Dr. Colquhoun’s Memoir, already quoted.

No. 161.] 49

That the proper adjustment of the flux to the nature of the ore, is
a subject not yet sufficiently attended to by our iron smelters, I think
- is evident from an examination of the scoriz of many of our fur-
naces. Small globules or buttons of nearly pure iron, or of the
metal slightly oxidated, are sometimes found in the hard and glassy
compound, and by treating this refuse with additional portions of
flux, a large proportion of metallic iron is obtained. The conduc-
tor of a furnace in Dutchess county, observed to me that a heap of
this slag, which he had considered as without value, and which
he intended to have removed from his premises at some expense,
he had recently found to be worth more than $3,000 for the iron
which it contained.

It has already been stated that the nature and proportion of the
flux most proper to be employed in any given case, cannot be posi-
tively determined without an analysis of the ore. Berthier gives
some general directions on this subject, which it may be useful to
introduce in this place; and especially so, as his statements are the
result of an extensive series of experiments. According to this
chemist, the proportion of flux to the ore necessary to ensure the
requisite degree of fusibility, should be such as that the compound
may contain from 45 to 60 per cent of silica, 20 to 35 per cent of
lime, and 12 to 25 per cent of other earths. The nature of the
latter has a great influence upon the fusibility of the scoria. Alu-
mina is the least fusible, and it should not much exceed the pro-
portion of 0.15. Magnesia is much more fusible, and it may at-
tain the proportion of 0.25 without inconvenience. But when
other metallic compounds form part of the ore, as manganese, ti-
tanium, phosphate of iron and of lime, the arseniates of iron, iron
pyrites, galena, blende and chromium, the proportion of fluxing
materials must be determined by their nature and by the propor-
tions in which they exist in the ore.*

In regard to fuel, and its mode of employment, there is also
room for improvement in our manufactories. Charcoal, the com-
bustible almost exclusively employed at present, no doubt possesses
great advantages, but the want of due. attention to the process of
carbonization, renders this substance of very variable purity.—
This not only increases the expense, but causes a variation in the
degree of heat quite unfavourable to the success of the iron smelt-

* Traité des Essais par la Voie Séche II. 339,
f[Assem. No. 161.] oH

50 [| ASSEMBLY

er’s operations. In those cases, by no means unfrequent, where
the proprietors of iron works have also under their control the
manufacture of charcoal intended for their use, it would be greatly
to their advantage to introduce some of those improvements which
have been adopted in England and France, and the value of which,
experience has fully confirmed.

Although charcoal is perhaps the best fuel for the iron furnace,
it is well known that causes are gradually, though constantly ope-
rating to diminish the supply, and of course to increase its price.
In some cases, this already begins to act as a damper upon the ma-
nufacture in question. ‘The same difficulty was experienced in
England at a very early period, when it was fortunately ascertain-
ed that the bituminous coal, which abounds in that country, when
converted into coke, might be substituted in the place of charcoal.
And it is to this discovery that England is chiefly indebted for the
commanding position which she now occupies as a manufacturing
nation. In this country it has often been proposed to employ an-
thracite instead of charcoal, in iron smelting; and many experi-
ments have been made for the purpose of determining whether this
was practicable. In one or two instances, the results have been
- considered sufficiently encouraging to warrant further trials upon
a more extended scale. Upon these I do not feel myself at liberty
to comment particularly, and will only add a few remarks upon
the difficulties attending the use of anthracite in the process in
question in the hope they may have the effect of preventing some
uscless and expensive experiments.

It seems to be admitted that the calorific power of anthracite is
equal to that of coke, and that it gives out abundance of carbon to
effect the reduction of the oxide of iron to the metallic state, and
to cause its conversion into cast iron. But it almost always con-
tains sulphuret of iron, which, during the combustion, is converted
into sulphuretted hydrogen and sulphurous acid. These com-
pounds, when liberated, in contact with the ores of iron subjected -
toa high heat, part with some of their sulphur, and impair the qua-
lity of the resulting metal. The same difficulty is sometimes ex-
perienced in the use of bituminous coals and coke; but it may be
obviated, in a good degree at least, by a proper adjustment of the
flux.. In such cases, the calcareous ingredient should be increased
to as great an extent as possible, without impairing the fusibility
of the compound. By this means the sulphur combines with the

No. 161.] - 51

metallic basis of the lime, and is found in the scoria in the state of
sulphuret of calcium. 3

A more serious difficulty in the way of the successful employ-
ment of anthracite in the smelting of iron ore in the high furnace
is, that upon the first application of heat, it decrepitates and be-
comes friable; being thus broken into small pieces under the pres-
sure which it has to’support, it very soon chokes up the crucible
to such a degree as to prevent the free passage of the air from the
tuyeres. It is stated by Berthier, that it is owing to the latter
cause that they have been obliged to abandon the use which was
attempted to be made of the anthracite of Mure in the high furna-
ces of Vizilles, in France.

» It has been suggested that this objection may be diminished, if
not entirely overcome, by mixing wood with the anthracite. And
perhaps if the heat produced should be sufficiently high, the flame
of this combustible made to pass through the ore and flux, and

urged by a powerful hot blast, might produce the desired result.
As experiment alone can decide, it is a matter of general interest
that the correctness of this idea is about to be put to that test.

My remarks upon the practical part of this inquiry have already
been extended so much beyond the proposed limits, that I can add
nothing concerning the improvements recently introduced by the
substitution of the hot blast for that of cold air as commonly em-
ployed. Suffice it to say, that although the results of the ex-
periments upon this point are somewhat at variance, there seems
to be little doubt of the value of this invention, and it therefore
commends itself to the particular attention of our manufacturers.

ORES OF LEAD AND ZINC.

Although these ores have for a long time been known to occur
in various parts of this State, they have, during the past year, ex-
cited very great, and in some districts, very general attention.
And from the facts which have already transpired, there seems to
be little doubt that lead, and perhaps zinc, will be Ne among
-our most important mineral productions.

The most common ore of lead hitherto discovered is a compound
of the metal and sulphur, known by the names of galena, or sul-
phuret of lead. Among the localities of this mineral in our State
may be mentioned those of Rossie and Morristown, in St. Law-

52 [ ASSEMBLY

“rence county; Ancram, in Columbia county; Martinsburgh, in Lew-
is county; Amenia, in Dutchess county; Canajoharie, in Montgo-
mery, and the west. side of the Shawangunk mountains, in Ulster.

Specimens of galena have been so widely distributed during the
past season, that there are probably few persons who are not fami- —
liar with the appearance of this mineral. It has a high metallic
lustre; sometimes it occurs crystallized, or in masses, which easily
break into cubical fragments. Occasionally, also, it has a granu-
lar texture. Its specific gravity is usually about 7.560.

The most important locality of galena at present known in this
State, is in St. Lawrence county, and it deserves to be particular-
ly noticed as one of the most. interesting deposites of this mineral.
The vein, now known as the Rossie Lead Mine, is situated about.
two and a half miles south of the village of Rossie, in the county
just mentioned. I shall briefly describe this valuable mine as it
appeared when I visited it, in the early part of August last.

Following the road from the village of Rossie at no great dis-
tance from the bank of Indian river, after passing through a dense
forest, there appeared towards the east a precipitous ledge of rocks
about fifty feet in height. My attention being particularly direct-
ed to this hill, I observed a white deposite, contrasting with the
dark colour of the rock, passing down perpendicularly, or very
nearly so, from the summit to the base. The part of the vein thus
distinctly and beautifully exposed, was ascertained by measure-
ment to be fifty feet, while its average width was two feet. Upon
a more close inspection, the vein, previously to its sinking below
the surface of the alluvial, was found to incline slightly to the
north, and the whitish appearance was also ascertained to be due
to the salts of lead formed by the decomposition of the galena.
On ascending the ledge of rocks, the course and extent of the vein
could be. easily determined by the excavations which had been
made, and by the appearance of the surface in those parts where
it has not been opened. Its course was found to be about E. S.
E. and W. N. W., and its length, as exposed at that time, was 450
feet; and every part of it seemed to be so distinctly characterized
as to excite surprise that it had not long since been discovered.

I should not forget to mention that at the distance of about eight
feet from the principal vein, was.a smaller one, which intersected

Nevis) 58

the rock in a direction nearly parallel with the former, and at the
depth of about thirty feet united with it. :

The galena found in this vein sometimes occurs in cubical crys-
tals, which occasionally have their angles iruncated. But it is
most commonly found in masses imperfectly crystallized, but which
break into cubical fragments. ‘Throughout the whole extent of
the vein, the ore is imbedded in calcareous spar, which is easily
broken and separated from the galena. The proportion of this
gangue, however, is quite variable, the ore being in some parts
nearly pure, and separating easily from the rock which forms the
walls of the vein.

I have analyzed various specimens of galena from this vein, not

»so much for the purpose of ascertaining the composition of the mi-

neral, as to determine what proportion of metal could be obtained
with ordinary care in separating the gangue.

Analysis of Galena from Rossie, St. Lawrence county. —

No. 1. , No. 2.
Sulphur, ..cecssseoee 13.20 SMUPMUT, oii wenieine ss | DSaRO
TR dec nee cvccs . 85,40 Tied: aie dived Vevane 85.85
Carbonate of lime and Carbonate of lime and

PRG certesiee ss sme) A £0 LOSBe, assaytl wie mi ait eis thay Hel

100.00 100.00

No. 1 was part of a cubical fragment detached from the gangue.
It had a high metallic lustre, and a specific gravity of 7.500.

No. 2 was a specimen having a lighter colour, and somewhat
silvery appearance, at least on the surface. ‘This peculiarity ap-
pears to be owing to some tarnish, or it is perhaps produced by
the contact of the gangue.

It will be observed that neither of the above analyses give silver
as one of the constituents of this ore. I employed the most ap-
proved processes for the detection of this metal in the humid way
without success. It is possible, however, that this, like most oth-
er specimens of galena, would afford by cupellation proportions of
silver too minute to be detected by the other mode of analysis.
But I have every reason to believe that the amount would not be
sufficient to warrant the expense which must be incurred in its se-
paration.

54 [ ASSEMBLY

The lead ashes, as it is commonly called, found in great abun.
dance on that part of the Rossie vein which was exposed to the
atmosphere, and which invests most of the surface specimens of
galena, I ascertained upon analysis to be a mixture of carbonate
and sulphate of lead and carbonate of lime, in variable proportions.
The formation of this compound is undoubtedly due to the reac-
tion of the carbonate of lime and sulphuret of lead, together with
the free exposure to atmospheric influence.

The only remaining mineral which 1 obtained from this locality,
was iron pyrites, associated in small quantities with the galena.
It is usually of a golden yellow colour, and sometimes occurs, as
already stated, in the form of the cube with truncated angles. The
limestone in this vicinity contains abundance of scales of graphite
or plumbago, which has often been mistaken for galena. It may
always be distinguished by the trace which it produces on paper.

In several parts of this and the adjoining towns there are dis-
tinct veins of semi-crystalline carbonate of lime, generally having
an easterly and westerly direction, and containing galena in great-
er or less quantities. These veins are usually indicated by the
occurrence of small rounded masses of galena, covered with the
lead ashes above described. Near De Long’s mill is a vein of this
kind, which is twelve or fifteen inches at the top of a ledge of rocks,
and contains small masses of galena disseminated through it; but
it gradually becomes narrower, and at the depth of 80 or 90 feet
it is scarcely six inches in width, and has no appearance of being
metalliferous. There is therefore, at present, nothing which would
warrant further expenditure at this locality. ,

In this vicinity I obtained a specimen of satin spar, some hand-
some varieties of feldspar, and fine crystals of calcareous spar of a
straw yellow color, and nearly transparent.

Several veins of calcareous spar containing galena have been
found in the same county, on the south-east side and near the head
of Black Lake. Their general direction is similar to that of the
great Rossie vein. At a place which has been named Mineral
Point, near the head of Big Island, is.a vein of this kind, which is
apparently of considerable extent, and it contains throughout its
whole course lead ore, in masses of various sizes.

No. 161.] 55

The galena at this locality is associated with sulphuret of zinc
and green fluor. The former mineral occurs in a vein of a few
inches in width, and has been obtained in considerable quantity.
It has a brown color and foliated structure.

Analysis of Blende, or Sulphuret of Zinc, from Morristown, St. Law-
rence county.
BOOTS 666 ogre ce ep eee ye se cece tesenre , 52.80
Iron, .. os eee nsec weecce tenses seseseos: 6.00
eee veo ee ead pees ec ivne te OO. 40
PPG aie tes seta se ae tease reseescces 1550

100.00

——.

The minerals found at this locality are such as are known to be
associated with the richest deposites of lead ore. And if any reli-
ance is to be placed upon those indications, I am quite sanguine in
the belief that this vein will eventually repay the outlay which has
been incurred in its examination. But upona subject confessedly
so full of uncertainty, I trust that my opinion, although honestly
expressed, will not be considered as justifying a plan of operations,
which, if unsuccessful, might greatly embarrass, if not ruin, those
who are concerned in them.

The galena of which I obtained specimens at this vein is of good
quality, and can easily be separated from the gangue, as will be
shown by the following results: .

Analysis of Galena, from Morristown, St. Lawrence county.

Sulphur, ...++ seve sees coceee cece reee ons 13.19
Lead, e@eeeveveeeR eeeeveeeGevnerer reese @ve e280 @ 84.94
Carponate of lime, or lossy... cies eee ces >) 1287

100.00

Sulphuret of lead has also been found in the town of Martins-
burgh, Lewis county. It is associated with calcareous spar, which
sometimes assumes the form of six-sided prisms, and with iron py-
rites, from which it is with difficulty separated. The vein is said
to have a course 10° north of west, and to be about four inches in
width.

56 _[AssemBLy

Analysis of Galena, from Martinsburgh, Lewis county.
SHIPMIT, bite sss e case eee n core TT cee feck ee
Lead, eoee eee eeeveevneseeeeeve ee ee O08 FS FHS O 77.15
Iron pyrites, carbonate of lime, &c....... 10.88

~

100.00

——e— eee)

Accompanying this ore is a mineral which was supposed to con-
tain tin. Although I was aware that there was little prospect of
finding any compound of this metal in this region, I nevertheless
subjected a portion of it to analysis, when (as I had supposed.) it
was found to be bisulphuret of iron, with variable proportions of
carbonate of lime.

I have only to add, before concluding my notice of the lead and
zinc ores of this part of the State, that I found blende in a vein of
calcareous spar, in the town of De Kalb, St. Lawrence county;
but at the time of my visit it was not possible to form any estimate
of its extent.

One locality of lead ore remains to be described. And it is that
which has long been known by the name of the 4ncram Mine. It
is situated in the southern part of Columbia county, about four
miles south-east of the Ancram furnace, in a hill composed of slate
and limestone. At this mine two or three veins of galena may be
observed on the surface, which with their gangue vary in width
from a foot to three or four feet. When they widen, as they some-
times do, the ore is very sparingly disseminated in the calcareous
' spar and quartz which constitute its principal associates.

The occurrence of the lead ore at this locality, reminded me of
that of the copper ore at Flemington, New Jersey. It does not
appear to constitute a true vein, but to be a collection of strings
communicating with beds of various dimensions. These strings
are parallel with the strata and not at right angles to them, and
in no case did I observe the ore separating from the walls as it
often does at the Rossie vein, but it gradually loses itself in the
accompanying rock. f

The mine seems at present, to be judiciously worked, although
I have reason to believe that it has not answered the expectations
of the proprietors. The principal shaft is about 70 feet in depth,
and from this runs a shore level which communicates with another

No. 161.) BT

shaft, opened many years since, and which now performs the part
of a ventilator. At the base of the hill, a level has been commenc-
ed, which is intended to cross the deposite of ore, and will when
completed be about 150 feet in length. The following is a notice
of the minerals found at this locality.

The galena is both crystalline and granular. It is associated
with quartz, and occasionally has mixed with it some carbonate of
lime. But the former constitutes the principal gangue, and the dif-
ficulty of separating it from the ore, renders the processes neces-
sary for its reduction comparatively tedious and expensive. :

Analyses of Galena from the Ancram Lead Mine.

No. 1. No. 2.
Sulphur, ........+.- 18.00 Sulphur, .......e0+ 12.68
DBad, ie. iui. .. 83.65 Lead: 6.2008 fas SING

Silica, ... e©ee0 020086 3.50 Silica, &c. @e00808 @ 5.71
Carbonate of lime, a trace.

100.00

Se
EES

In some of the specimens of galena I observed small plates of
a yellowish color, which may be the molybdate of lead, said to
occur at this locality; but I did not find it in sufficient quantity to ~
make it the subject of experiment.

Two varieties of sulphuret of zinc are associated with the ga-
lena, both of them having a brown color. The one is foliated, the
other compact.

Analysis of Sulphuret of Zinc from the Ancram Lead Mine.

No. 1, Compact. 7 No. 2, Foliated.
Sulphur, @®eeeeeeoene 30.96 Sulphur, ee2nrne ©2860 8 8 33.20
Dx Giky iis te eddy ws 2 rw si i480 Tron, ‘esis ves oe cts 1 OES

AAG, Sistaqwus'sinw!.< iss 61.64 Zins sees eee eeee8t8 0 57.85
Silica, eeeeeoaoveee 28 0.50 SaHlicay cise es aeeeoees 2.50

100.00 100.00

ere en ere eee
SS eee . SS

Pyritous copper of a golden yellow color is also occasionally met
with at this locality. It is composed of sulphur, copper and iron
fAssem. No. 161.] 8

58 [ ASSEMBLY

and is often covered by a bluish black coating, said to be the cop-
per black of Professor Jameson.

Sulphate of barytes sometimes accompanies the galena, but as
far as my observation extends, it is by no means abundant at pre-
sent.

I should add that the galena from this locality is said to be ar-
gentiferous.

Before concluding this report I will only enumerate some of the
more interesting and useful minerals which I have obtained in ad-
dition to those already described.

Marl.—Supposed to be in great abundance on the lands of Mr.
Van Bergen, near the village of Coxsackie. The specimen which
I received has a white color, is very friable when dry, and is near-
ly a pure carbonate of lime. It promises to be of great value for
agricultural purposes. |

Magnesian marble.—This mineral, so called by Mr. Nuttal, and
also known by the general name of carbonate of magnesia, occurs
on Staten Island. My analysis agrees very well with that of Mr.
Nuttal.* It is crystallized and compact; its specific gravity is
2.712; it contains carbonic acid, lime, magnesia, and small portions
of silica and oxide of iron.

Fluor spar.—I found a new locality of this interesting mineral
in Morristown, St. Lawrence county. It is crystallized and has a
fine green color.

Calcareous spar.—Several interesting localities of this mineral —
exist in the counties of St. Lawrence and Jefferson. At De Long’s
mill, in the former county, it is sometimes obtained in crystals of
a straw color, which by cleavage, furnish rhombs having nearly the
transparency of Iceland spar, and exhibiting double refraction.
On the farm of Dr. Benton, in the Ox Bow in Jefferson county,
similar crystals are found, having a beautiful rose tint. Some in-
teresting secondary forms occur near Gouverneur, St. Lawrence
county. | ;

Gibbsite.—I found this rare mineral associated with the hema-
titic iron ore, in Dutchess county. It has a yellowish white colour,

* Silliman’s Journal, IV. 17.

No-"161.] 59

stalactitical and mammillary form, slightly fibrous; specific gravity,
the mean of two trials, with as pure a specimen as I could obtain,
2.305. It contains 33 per cent of water. In addition to the alu-
mina, I also found silica and oxide of iron, but could not determine
whether these were accidental or formed part of the mineral.*

Mica.—Specimens of this mineral, of great beauty, were ob-
tained near Pope’s mill, St. Lawrence county. They are in the
form of six-sided tables, some of them upwards of six inches in
diameter.

Garnet.—The beautiful variety, called Colophonite, occurs in
great abundance, associated with Tabular Spar, in the town of
Lewis, Essex county, nine miles south of Keeseville.

Feldspar.—The iridescent variety, resembling that from La-
brador, of which I obtained a specimen from Dr. Thomas, of Keese-
ville, is said to be found in abundance on the head waters of the
Hudson. The same mineral is also found, of uncommon beauty,
in boulders, near Ogdensburgh, St. Lawrence county, as first point-
ed out by Dr. J. B. Crawe.

.Lignite—On Staten Island, near Rossville, is a stratum of this
mineral, from three to six inches in width, apparently below high
water mark. Sometimes it has the colour and appearance of
wood; at others, it is quite compact, and has a dark brown or
black colour, and resembles jet. Crystals of iron pyrites occur
in the fissures of the lignite, and these are often of great beauty;
but after being exposed to the air they are usually converted into
sulphate of iron. Probably, also, amber will be found here, as it
accompanies a similar formation at South Amboy, in New-Jersey,
a few miles from the above locality.

Pyrolusite—Binoxide of Manganese.—Small masses, which I
believe are to be referred to this species, were found in the mar-
ble quarries at Sing-Sing; where I also observed efflorescences of
blue carbonate of copper.

Sulphuret of Molybdenum.—Specimens of this mineral, from
Clinton county, were receive through Mr. J. Hochstrasser.

* Dr. Thomson suggests that it isa congeries of hydrates, Outlines of Mineralogy,
Geology, &c. I, 222.

60 [AsseMBLY

In several of my excursions | was accompanied, and much as-
sisted, by Messrs. William R. Guest and William P. Wainwright of
this city, members of the chemical department of the University.

Should the plan meet your approbation, I intend, during the
next season, to complete the examination of the ores which have
formed the principal subject of the present report, and to com-
mence that of our mineral waters, including the salines; and hope
to be able, in my next annual communication, to lay before you a.
general view of these important mineral productions.

I have the honor to be,
With great respect,
Your obed’t serv’t,
: LEWIS C. BECK.
New-York City University, Jan. 25, 1837. |

FIRST ANNUAL REPORT

Of the Ist Geological District of New-York, by W.
W. Mather.

To his Excellency W. L. Marcy,
Governor of New-York:

Sir—lIn obedience to the instructions which I received from you
in July last, I have the honor to submit an abstract of that part of
my operations on the geological survey of the Ist district of the
State, which is connected with the useful and economical applica-
tions of geology to the various purposes of life. The board of ge
ologists deemed it expedient that the various scientific facts and lo-
cal details, unless these were directly applicable to useful purposes,
should be left. to constitute the subject matter of the final report,
after the completion of the geological survey.

My first object, after entering upon the discharge of my duties,
was, to make a rapid reconnaissance, to seize the great outlines of
the geological structure of the district, leaving the detailed exami-
nations to a subsequent period. This examination, rapid as it has
necessarily been, has led me to appreciate the great practical uti-
lity that may result from this survey, if it be carried on with the
minuteness of detail that is desirable, in order to have the natural
resources of the State fully developed. The discovery of valua-
ble mineral substances, the construction of great national works, -
architecture, the arts and most of the manufacturing interests, are
all, more or less nearly connected with a knowledge of the mate-
rials that form the surface of the earth; and every land-holder is
personally interested in knowing, not atity the agricultural, but the
mineral riches of his estate.

Every country has its mines, which are an unfailing source of
wealth and prosperity, and a science which affords useful hints as

62 [ ASSEMBLY

to the geographieal positions in which they are likely to be found,
and which enables the practiced eye to trace out their particular
localities, cannot but be appreciated. ‘The mineral resources of
our country have been but imperfectly developed, and the people
are eager to commence their researches on the slightest indica-
tions, and many have been duped, in consequence of the interested
motives of individuals. Companies have been formed and excava-
tions made, in localities where a practical geologist would have
said at a glance, there was no probability that the substance for
which they were searching would be found. Certain mineral sub-
stances occur, so constantly associated with other particular mine-
rals, that on finding one, the others may be expected to occur as-

sociated with it. Without a knowledge of these associations, and .

various other facts connected with geology, which require much
practical knowledge, attempts at new discoveries, except by mere
chance, must be fruitless. The hundreds of excavations in diffe-
rent parts of the country, made under the delusive hope of reap-
ing a rich reward, attest the zeal for mineral exploration, and the
want of that practical and theoretical knowledge, which are neces-
sary for the successful prosecution of mining enterprises.

If a higher place were allotted to mineralogy and geology in our
colleges and universities, and the practical applications of these sci-
ences were made common, by means of county and State geoiogi-
cal societies, and by suitable elementary books in our academies
and schools, many important advantages would be the result. Ma-
ny fruitless mining explorations would be prevented, and the va-
ried and rich mineral resources of the State would be more rapidly
developed, by causing thousands of eyes to be observing, where
_ few are now engaged.

Such developments of our resources will give rise to a multi-
tude of new sources of industry, and profitable investment of ca-
pital, and consequently, add to the wealth and prosperity of the
State. ;

Unless some subsidiary means like those suggested, to attract
public attention and make every one an observer of natural facts
and phenomena, or additional assistants be provided in my district,
it seems scarcely possible to complete the survey in four years,
with that minuteness of detail, which is necessary to its successful
accomplishment. !

No. 161.] 63

To bring this subject home to-the mind, I will state briefly the
grounds for the above opinion. There are more than 12,000 square
miles in my district, which contains 21 counties. Five months in
the year is as much time as can be passed to advantage in the
field, and no more than 20 days can be calculated on per month
for field labor, which gives 100 days per annum for active duty in
the field, or 400 days in 4 years; hence, as there are more than
12,000 square miles in my district, I shall be obliged to examine
more than 30 square miles per day. No one can examine so
great an area, in the allotted time, except in the most imperfect
manner, by distant views; and this method can serve to develope
only a part of either the economical or scientific geology. The
greatest value of the survey, in an economical point of view, will
result from detailed examinations of the soil, rocks, mineral springs,
ores, beds of peat, clay, marl, &c. and it is greatly to be desired
that every farm should be examined, where there is the slightest
prospect of finding any thing of value to the owner, and this can-
not be effected without an increased time, or a greater number of
assistants.

II RECONNAISSANCE.

The reconnaissance of the Ist or S. E. geological district of
the State of New-York, (embracing Long-Island, Staten-Island,
and the territory from the head of Lake Champlain, southwesterly
to the Delaware river, thence along Pennsylvania, New-Jersey,
Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont lines, to the place of
commencement,) has shewn, that a great number of valuable mine-
rals and rocks occur in abundance, in almost every part of it, and
that the facilities for applying them to useful purpose are very
great. Rocks suitable for rough and dressed building stones, easi-
ly quarried, and which will stand the vicissitudes of our variable
climate, are abundant in the vicinity of the Hudson river, from
Cornwall to New-York, and are convenient to water transporta-
tion.

Rocks, suitable for flagging stones and roof slates, are found in
the valley of the Hudson, from Cornwall to Sandy-Hill.

White and clouded marbles of various qualities, some of which
are durable, abound on the east side of the Hudson, below the
Highlands. Dark colored, compact, variegated and conglomerate
marbles, occur in various localities, between the Highlands and

64 [AssEMBLY

Lakes George and Champlain. Limestone, suitable for common and
hydraulic lime, are abundant in the same part of the district, and
also on the Helderberg and Catskill mountain ranges; but the
facilities for exploration among these mountains are not so great
as near the river. ‘The Highlands afford fine granite and gneiss
for building stones, and several quarries have been opened. The
value and importance of the rocky masses of the district are only
beginning to be appreciated.* They will eventually form inex-
haustible sources of profitable industry to individuals, and of pros-
perity to the State.

Clay, suitable for bricks and coarse pottery, abounds in the ter-
tiary formations along the Hudson and its tributary streams,
which empty into it above the Highlands, and in a few places below
those mountains. There are extensive manufactories of bricks
along the banks of the Hudson, from which the New-York market
is principally supplied. From 75,000,000 to 100,000,000 of bricks
are made annually on the Hudson river, and from 4,000,000 to
5,000,000, at Huntington Long, Island.

Lime is extensively manufactured in Albany, Orange, Ulster and
Dutchess counties, but I have no data from which to estimate the
quantities.

Iron ore is so abundant in the Highland range of mountains,
from New-Jersey to Canada, that it may be estimated as sufficient
to supply the wants of our country for ages. It occurs in some
places disseminated in grains and nodules through the rocks; in
others, it forms veins intersecting the strata, or beds, or is inter-
stratified with the adjacent rocks. The beds of ore vary from a
few inches to many feet in thickness, and some of them can be tra-

* Tt may be well to remark in this place, upon the importance of knowing and testing
well the durability of building stones and marbles, before employing them in important
public works, or even in private dwellings. The different beds of rock, or even the dif-
ferent layers in the same bed, and in the same quarry, are frequently very different in
their capacities for enduring the vicissitudes of the weather unchanged; a quarry, there-
fore, should always be examined by a practised and discriminating eye, in addition to
the usual tests applied to building stones, before they are used for important buildings,
bridges, aqueducts, locks, or other public works. Much care should also be used in
the selections of stone for McAdamized roads. . Millions might have been saved in our
country, by judicious selection of materials for the above mentioned purposes. Much
of the marble from some of the beds at Sing-Sing crumbles to a calcareous sand, and is
unfit for building ; other beds are unaffected by exposure to the weather. Examples of
this crumbling marble may be seen around the capitol and academy parks in Albany,
where this marble has been used.

No. 181.] 65

eed for many miles in length. Few of them are wrought, in con-
sequence of the low price of the ore, and the supposed impractica-
bility of making good iron from it; but nearly all of them will af-
ford a good iron with proper treatment. The workmen are ac-
customed to manufacture iron only from particular localities, con-
taining certain impurities. Ores containing another kind of impu-
rity, or differing in the quantity, or mixed with a different gangue,
require different, or. varied modes of treatment; and as the work-
men do not often understand the scientific principles involved, they
do not know how to obviate any difficulty that may occur; and if
they fail on the first trial to make good iron, the ore is pronounced
bad; hence the necessity of men of scientific, as well as of practi-
cal knowledge, to conduct such operations to the greatest advan-
tage. Bog ore abounds in some localities.

Coal is said to have been found in many places in the valley of
the Hudson. Thin seams of anthracite, from ;4, to 4 inch thick,
have been found in numerous localities in the slate rocks; but I
have seen no locality among the many I have visited, that gives
indications of sufficient importance to justify any expenditure.
There is a possibility that coal may be found in the valley of the
Hudson, but it is not probable that it will be discovered in sufficient
quantities to render it available for extensive use. The anthracite
coal formation of Pennsylvania is now considered of the same ge-
ological age as the bituminous coals of Europe and the United
States. Mr. Taylor, an experienced geologist, has made some ob-
servations upon the geology of New-York contiguous to the an-
thracite region of Pennsylvania, and if his statements be correct,
it is not probable that,coal will be found in that part of the State,
unless enormous dislocations occur in the strata. Vegetable re-
mains are found in the graywacke—shale in many places, and
with the associated iron stone, would, to an inexperienced eye, be
considered as strong indications of coal in the vicinity.

Mineral Springs.

The discussion of the composition and useful applications of the
waters of mineral springs belong to another department of the sur-
vey. The springs containing gases and other mineral materials,
and some of which are tepid, are far more numerous than has been
supposed. They possess a high interest in a scientific point of
view; their geological relations will be discussed in the final report,
and their localities will be mentioned under the head of local econo-
mical geology.

[Assem, No. 161.] 9

66 [AssEMBLY
Soils.

The.soils of the first geological district present almost every va-
riety found in any part of the State, from sterile sands and barren
rocks, to the richest and most productive alluvions. As we are al-
most exclusively dependant upon the soils for the production of
those articles of food and raiment, necessary to the supply of our
animal wants, and as the annual products of the soil form the far-
gest item in the increasing wealth of the State, it is deemed expe-
dient to consider this subject with some attention. All the rich-
est and most densely populated agricultural] districts, are on the
transition, secondary, tertiary and alluvial formations. Soils, with
the exception of those resulting from alluvial depositions, are deri-
ved from the disintegration and decomposition of the subjacent ma-
terials, and they depend in a great degree for their qualities, upon
their mechanical and chemical constitution; hence, the geology of
a territory is @ necessary prerequisite in estimating the agricultu-
ral characters and values of its soils. Limestone and slate rocks
form clayey soils; granite—gravelly or sandy soils, which are
sometimes sterile. but often productive; gneiss—mica slate, and
hornblende rocks produce gravelly loams, which are generally fer-
tile; talcose slate, serpentine and other magnesian rocks—-poor soils;
greenstone, basalt, and most of the trap and volcanic rocks—rich
and productive loamy soils. These variations are due to two ge-
neral causes, viz.

ist. ‘The mechanical texture of soils.
2d. Their chemical composition.

ist. The texture of a soil is a character of more importanee
than is commonly supposed. .To form a good soil, its texture
should be such as to retain a suitable quantity of moisture for the
nourishment of vegetation, and be neither so clayey as to bake and
crack in the heat of the sun, or heave by the action of frost; nor
so sandy as to become parched, and be mere dust at the depth to
which the roots of plants penetrate. Argillaceous soils have so
strong an affinity for water, as to retain a small portion even when
heated. There should be a sufficient quantity of clay in soils to
enable them to retain 3 or 4 per cent of water when dry, and to
convert the other materials into a loam. Perhaps a light loam,
properly treated, produces the best crops.

It is also necessary to consider the substratum, in judging of the
productiveness of any particular soil. If it be clay, or rock with-

No. 164. ] 67

‘out fissures, the soil, however good in its texture and other quaii-
‘ties, will probably be “cold” and wet. If the subsoil be gravel
or sand, the surface soil is frequently too dry, unless it be a loam
so heavy as to retain a sufficient quantity of moisture for vegeta-
tion. Where a clay subsoil occurs, it often alternates with beds
- of gravel and sand. Advantage may often be taken of this geo-
logical fact to drain wet soils, either by boring, or by sinking wells
through the clay, into the gravel or sand below, so that the water
will find an outlet in springs at a lower level, where these strata
emerge on the sides of hills or ravines. In this way, stagnant
ponds and marshes may be drained, not only so as to reclaim un-
productive lands, but to render the surrounding country more
healthful. These principles may be practically applied in many
parts of my district.

However poor the texture of a soil, it can always be brought
to a proper state for cultivation by art; but unfortunately the va-
lue of produce and the price of labor will not often justify the ex-
pense. Light and heavy soils may always be benefitted by a pro-
per admixture of clay or sand, as the case may require. That
clay and sand are almost always associated, is a geological fact of
much practical value in agriculture, as well asin the arts. The
occurrence of one, (unless from the effect of some local cause,) is
a pretty sure indication that the other may be found in the vicinity.
Light dry soils are often injured by removing the small loose
stones, which, instead of being an injury, are in reality an advan-
tage, as they not only, by shading the ground, prevent the evapo-
ration of moisture below the surface; but, by their slow decompo-
sition, furnish stimulants and food for vegetation, thus acting as a
permanent manure.

2d. Chemical composition of soils.

The chemical, as well as the mechanical composition of soils, ex-
erts a powerful influence over vegetation. Salts, alkalies and alka-
line earths, act as stimulantsif used moderately, but if in excess, are
injurious. Many soils contain calcareous rocks, stones or pebbles,
which are continually undergoing disintegration and solution by at-
mospherical agents, and thus serve as permanent mineral manures.
Other soils abound in stones from such rocks as. contain potassa
as a constituent, and by their decomposition furnish this alkali in
solution to the roots of plants, by which it is absorbed and carried
into the circulation, and there, acting as a stimulant, remains com-

~=

38 [ASSEMBLY

bined with some vegetable acid. The decomposition of gravel,
pebbles and rock, has been observed to be a benefit to vegetation,
and as the rapidity of decomposition depends on the surface ex~
posed, it follows, that if such materials be ground fine, and sowed
upon the soil like plaster of paris, a more decided benefit would
result. This has been partially tried with success, and it is to be
hoped that the intelligent farmers of this State will give it a more
thorough trial.

‘The potash of commerce is all derived from wood ashes, and
plants originally derived it from the soil of the decomposed rock.
Marine plants afford soda, and even wood ashes from maritime dis-
tricts contain much of this alkali, mixed with potash.

Iron, in some states of combination, exercises a beneficial influ-
ence on vegetation; yellowish and reddish soils almost always con-
tain iron, and are generally productive.

The value of marls for manures is well known. The term mart
is usually restricted to the earthy carbonate of lime, which is more
or less argillaceous, but in New-Jersey, several mineral substances
have been used with advantage on soils, and the term marl is ap-
plied to all of them. The most valuable of these marls is a green
sandy mineral, composed of silex, iron and potash, which acts as
a powerful manure; and it is hoped that this stratum will yet be
found on Long-Istand; and if so, it would be more valuable than
mines of gold.

Besides the proper mineral constituents of soils, their organic
contents are very important, inasmuch, as bythe decomposition of
animal and vegetable substances, materials capable of solution in
water, and containing suitable food for plants, are presented to
their absorbent vessels.

This is not a proper place to discuss the subject of manures; but
still, it may be proper to remark, that in some parts of my district,
much benefit would result from an occasional variation and change
of manures, as well as from a double and triple rotation of crops.
It is a well known fact, that ground, constantly cujlivated with the
same crop, is soon worn out, even if well manured, because the
excrementitious matter of a plant will not serve for its own food,
although it will for others. This is finely illustrated in the suc-
cessive natural changes in the growth of timber in our forests,

No.@61.} 6y

one growth being regularly succeeded by another, The same
principle holds true in relation to a single rotation of crops, though
far less exhausting to the land, which may be kept in good order
with less manure by a double or triple rotation; and it is desirable
that this method of cropping should be more extensively practised.

The manures, used on Long-Island, are fish, ashes, barilla, street
and yard manure, bone manure, sea-weed and composts rotted
with lime.

Fish answer well, but they are not used in the most economical
manner. From 5,000 to 15,000 per acre are spread over the
ground, instead of being ploughed in. The soil is generally light,
and the animal matter passes through it by the filtering action of
water, so that its fertilizing effects are nearly exhausted by a sin-
' gle crop. |

Ashes are extensively employed with advantage in cropping for
wheat, being used at the rate of about 100 bushels per acre, once
in four years, at a cost of about 15 cents per bushel. The great
objects in using them, are, to keep the dry arid soils moist, by the
attraction of the potassa for water, and thus afford moisture and a
stimulating alkali to the growing plants. The effect of the ashes is
felt but a short time, as these soils allow the surface waters to per-
colate through them rapidly, thus removing their fertilizing proper-
ties. A great error in their use, is, to let them remain in heaps long
exposed to the weather; an idea prevailing, that ashes are improved
by this means, and that if they be used in their raw state, they in-
jure the crops. The fact is, that when used fresh, too many are
employed, as they then contain a large proportion of potassa, and
prove a loo powerful stimulant to vegetation ; but when expused to
the weather, the potassa deliquiates by tts attraction for moisture,
and is removed by rains, leaving little except the inert earthy mat-
ter. If the ashes were kept dry, and a smaller quantity used at
seasons in the year when there was a deficiency of moisture, or
soon after rains, much greater benefits would be derived. There
are many manures which are injurious when used in large quanti-
ties, but in smaller, are highly beneficial. Salt, nitre, lime and
other substances in large quantities, destroy vegetation; in smal-
ler, are a powerful manure. Some of the green marl of New-Jer-
sey was some time since shipped to Long-Island for a manure; but
from ignorance of the proper quantity to be used, so much was
employed as to be deleterious to the crops; and this failure was

70 | ASSHMBLY

attributed by the farmers to the unsuitableness of the manure for
their soils; but the soils in New-Jersey, on which it succeeds: well
when used in small quantities, are similar to those of Long-Island.

Silt, or harbor mud, might be used with great advantage as a
manure on sandy, and even on loamy soils. It contains an abundance
of anima! and vegetable matter, more or less perfectly decompo-
sed, and thus fitted to fertilize the land.

ALLUVIAL DEPOSITES.

The phenomena of the alluvial deposites of the district are of
much practical importance to the State, as they increase or lesson
the value of particular situations. The phenomena of land slides,
sand dunes, or hills of drifting sands; the formation of peat, shell-
marl, and bog iron-ore; the washing away of the land so as to form
banks, bars and shoals in our rivers, and bays, and along oar’
coast,—are the most important.

Alluvial deposites open one of the most interesting and impor-
‘tant fields of geological research. In them we study present
causes, and are enabled to investigate all those natural changes
which are now in progress, and which serve to modify the present
surface of the earth.

Peat.

Peat abounds in many parts of the district; in fact there are few
marshes that do not contain it. The best peat lies at the depth of
three or four feet below the surface, as that above, often contains
vegetable fibres of partially decayed plants, and is inferior in quali-
ty to the compact, black or brown tremulous mud that lies below.
Ligneous peat, or that derived from decayed wood, is as common
as the other, but is inferior in quality. It is found in almost all
low grounds, and frequently contains the trunks and branches of
cedar and other kinds of wood of great durability, which have
undergone little change.

It.is a circumstance of no small practical importance, and one
that serves to show the adaptation of means to ends, that peat is
rarely seen in warm climates, while it abounds in cold and wet re-
gions. The reason is obvious; in warm climates the organic allu-
vions are too nearly decomposed to form peat, and the organic
matter is removed, either by insects or by putrefaction. Peat isso
common in every part of the first geological district, that it is su-

NOG S: 71

perfluous to mention localities; im fact, it may be found on alm
every square mile.. This substance is much used for fuel, and fo.
burning lime and bricks, in many parts of the world; and is com-\
‘ing into general use as adel in some parts of New-England, where
wood and coal are expensive.

The value of peat grounds is not yet fully appreciated; but
when this combustible shall come into use, as it soon will, owners
of those peat lands which are convenient toa market, must realize |
a large amount; and it should be remembered, that these grounds,
wwhen dug over, are not exhausted like a coal mine, but in a few
years, if properly managed, will be renovated, and afford a new
supply. <A peat meadow, with a thickness of only three feet, will
give more than one thousand cords per acre. This combustible
may be furnished at so lowa rate, that the poor may have an abun-
dance of fuel. The odour of peat is unpleasant to some persons,
but not more so than that of bituminous coal. Peat is usually cut
out in pieces, like bricks, by a kind of spade with a raised edge on
one side, and is then dried like unbaked bricks, and afterwards
stacked or housed for use.

in many parts of the district, wood is so dear, that it is a very
large item of the expense in burning bricks and lime. Peat, with
proper management, mav in many places be substituted, with
greatly increased profits to the manufacturer.

Peat is sometimes used for manure, but it should not be used
where it is of such quality as to be useful for fuel. The best me-
thod of preparing peat for manure, is to rot it with lime in the barn-
yard, orin the compost heap. Peat is not confined to fresh water
lakes and marshes, but also abounds in those which are salt. On
Long Island, most of the salt marshes contain peat; but a large
proportion of that which has come under my observation, is of an
inferior quality.

Shell Marl.

This deposite, so very useful on many soils as a manure, is con-
tinually forming. It is abundant in some parts of the district, more
particularly in that which forms the valley of the Hudson. It occurs
in those ponds, swamps and meadows, which are fed by springs
containing lime, or which serve as receptacles for the surface wa-

ters flowing over calcareous materials. It is a matter of common

72 | ASSEMBLY

notoriety, that shells are very thin, and not abundant, in waters
containing little calcareous matter. Almost all soils contain a lit-
tle carbonate, sulphate, or muriate of lime, some of which is car-
ried by the surface and spring waters into marshes, rivers, lakes,
&c. The calcareous matter is there absorbed and secreted by the
testaceous animals, so as to form an external covering for their
protection; but in those situations where little calcareous matter
is furnished, the shells do not accumulate so as to form shell marl,
because the testacea of each succeeding generation, in forming
their own shells, consume those of pre-existing ones.

Where calcareous matter is abundant in water, testaceous ani-
mals secrete enough from their food to form their shells, without
the necessity of consuming the dead ones of preceding generations,
which often accumulate in so great quantities as to form thick and
extensive beds of marl. Shell marl is a white pulverulent sub-
stance when dry, and when wet, is so soft that a pole may be easi-
ly thrust into it. It is composed of the shells and decayed frag-
ments of the Lymnea, Physa heterostropha, Planorbis trivolvis, P.
campanulatus, Cyclas similis, and some other species.

Many of the beds of shell mar] are covered by beds of peat from
two to ten feet thick. Such localities were once lakes or ponds which
have been gradually filled up with alluvial depositions, and become
land. The marl, if present, may be found by thrusting a pole
through the mud into the stratum below; on withdrawing it, the
marl may be recognized as a white slimy mud on the lower part
of the pole, more or less concealed by the black mud through
which it has been withdrawn.* In some parts of Orange and
Dutchess counties, this marl is much used by the farmers, and with
great advantage to their crops. It is also used some in other coun-
ties along the Hudson, but its value is not yet fully appreciated.
It is desirable that agriculturists should make more extensive use
‘of a manure so valuable as this, on soils that contain little lime,
This mineral may also be used, when pure, for whiting, and for
making lime.

Bog Ore.

Bog iron ore is an alluvion which is now forming. It rénews it-
self by continual depositions, in certain localities, so that the same

* If vinegar, or any acid, be poured on this marl, it effervesces or boils up by the escape
- of carbonic acid.

No. 161.] 73

place furnishes new supplies at successive intervals. ‘This ore is
deposited,

Ist; From chalybeate mineral-springs;
2d, From surface waters, containing iron in solution.

Chalybeate springs contain carbonate of iron in solution, by
means of the contained carbonic acid. The water, as it flows
from these springs, is limpid; but at a small distance, losing a part
of its carbonic acid, a deposition of carbonate of iron begins, giv-
ing a yellowish tinge to the water, and finally becoming more tur-
bid, deposites its carbonate of iron on sticks, stones, or leaves, or
in marshes, pools and ponds, forming in course of time masses of
considerable extent and thickness. The most careless observer
must have noticed the iron rust color of water in some marshes,
and the oily looking scum on its surface. These are indications of
the formation of bog ore, but it is often in so small quantities as to
be of no value. 3

‘The deposites from the surface waters, are due to the same cause.
as those from chalybeate springs. All rain water contains car-
bonic acid, and most soils contain iron. Reddish and yellowish
soils are colored with iron, and the rain water as it flows over, or
percolates through them, dissolves the ferruginous matter, and
bears it in solution to the natural reservoirs of the surface waters.
If these be ponds or marshes, as the water evaporates, the carbonic
acid passes off, while the ferruginous matter precipitates and forms
bog ore.

Bog ore is sometimes formed in districts of primitive rocks, by
the decomposition of those containing iron pyrites, or other ferru-
ginous minerals which are liable to chemical changes from atmos-
pherical agencies; but they are far more common in the tertiary
districts, where the surface is sand with a substratum of clay.

This ore is not uncommon in many parts of the district, and in
some places it is so abundant as to make it an object of explora-
tion. It is dug in some parts of Albany county, and mixed with
other iron ores in the manufacture of pig iron.

[Assem. No. 161.] 10

74 | ASSEMBLY

lll. LOCAL DETAILS OF THE ECONOMICAL GEOLOGY
OF SUFFOLK COUNTY, L. I.

Encroachment of the Sea.

The coast of Long Island on the south side, from Montauk Point
to Nepeague beach, a distance of about 10 miles, is constantly
washing away by the action of the heavy surf against the base of
the cliffs, protected only by narrow shingle beaches of a few yards
or rods in width. The pebbles and boulders of these beaches, serve
as a partial protection to the cliffs during ordinary tides in calm wea-
ther, but even then by the bouldering action of the surf as it tum-
bles upon the shore, they are continually grinding into sand and
finer materials, and swept far away by the tidal currents. During
storms and high tides, the surf breaks directly against the base of
the cliffs, and as they are formed only of loose materials, as sand
and clay with a substratum of boulders, pebbles, gravel and loam,*
Wwe can easily appreciate the destructive agency of the heavy
waves, rolling in unbroken from the broad Atlantic. The destruc-
tion of land, from this cause, is Jess than cne would be led to sup-
pose, but still it is considerable. ‘The road from Nepeague beach
to Montauk Point, which was originally at some distance from the
shore, has disappeared in several places by the falling of the cliffs.
There are no data by which to estimate the inroads of the sea on
this coast, as this part of the island is held in common by many as-
sociated individuals, who use it for pasturage, and it is inhabited
by three herdsmen only, who are frequently changed, and who
live several miles distant from each other.

From Nepeague beach to two miles west of Southampton, ihe
south coast of Long Island is protected by a broad and slightly in-
clined sand beach, which breaks the force of the surf as it rolls in
from the ocean. From Southampton, westward, the coast of the
island is protected by long narrow islands, from one mile to five
or six distant from the main island.

Some parts of the north shore of the south branch of the island,
from Montauk Point towards Sagg Harbor, are washing away, but
not so rapidly as on the south side of this branch of the island.

The eastern parts of Gardner’s and Plum islands, which are com-
posed of loose materials, are washing away in consequence of the
very strong tidal currents, and the heavy sea rolling in upon their

* Vide Section at Montauk Point.

No. 161.] a

shores from the open ocean. ‘The action upon these coasts is so
rapid as to attract the attention of the inhabitants, and calculations
even have been made, as to the time that will probably elapse, be-
fore they will have disappeared. Rocks (boulders) that have form-
ed a part of Plum island, may now be observed at low water a
mile or more from the present shore.

Little Gull island, on which a light-house is located, was disap-
pearing so rapidly a few years since, that it became necessary to
protect it from the farther inroads of the ocean, by encircling it
with a strong sea wall.

Oyster Pond Point is wearing away rapidly, by the combined
action of the waves, during heavy northeast storms, and the strong
tidal current, which flows with great velocity through Plum
Gut. A small redoubt, about one quarter of a mile west of the
Point, is nearly washed away, and Mr. Latham, the owner of the
farm, says, that several rods in width have disappeared since his
remembrance. During the heavy storm of the 12th Oct. 1836,
the sea made a clear breach over about one quarter of a mile of
the eastern part of the Point, washed away all the light materials,
and cut a shallow channel through which the tide now flows.—
The effects of this storm were very marked at many localities on
the north shore. The cliffs were undermined, and crumbled or slid
down, exposing the geological structure and presenting beautiful
coast sections of the strata. The time subsequent to the storm
until the winter set in, was devoted exclusively to meandering the
coast on the north part of Suffolk county, in order, to inspect in
detail the geological structure and phenonema of the alluvial and
tertiary deposites.

Many more facts in connection with this subject, might be
brought forward were this the proper occasion, but all the geolo-
gical details, except such as are directly applicable to useful pur-
poses, will be retained until the publication of the final report.

The importance of thoroughly understanding the effects of cau-
ses now in action, in the construction of public works, such as
breakwaters, fortifications, &c., and even the locations of towns
and cities, is too obvious to require particular notice.

76 [Assempie
Marine AuLuviaL Derritvus.

Beaches, Shoals, Spits, &c.

The destroying action of the sea upon the headlands and cliffs
where currents and a heavy surf beat against the coast, has been
considered. Another effect of the sea, and as important to the
community as that just discussed, is the formation of marine allu-
vion. It results from the deposition of the materials transported
coastwise by tidal and marine currents, and by the action of the
waves in the direction of the prevailing winds and storms. The
winds which produce the greatest transport of alluvial matter on the
coast of Long Island, (with the exception of particular parts,
where there are local exceptions in consequence of the form of
the shore, or direction of currents,) are from the northeast, dur-
ing the heavy northeast storms. These storms bring in a heavy
sea from the ocean, which, rolling obliquely along the shore, aid-
ed by the powerful tidal current, sweeps the alluvia along ina
westerly direction. The northwest winds are nearly as powerful
as the northeast, and blow for a much longer period in the year;
but do not bring in an ocean swell, and the waves which they
raise, fall upon the shore in a line nearly perpendicular to the
trend of the coast, so that their effect is to grind the pebbles and.
gravel to sand, by the action of the surf, rather than to transport
them coastwise. In this way, outlets of small bays are frequently
more or less obstructed by bars, shoals and spits, formed by the
tidal currents sweeping past their mouths, and depositing the ma-
terials in the eddy formed by the meeting of the currents. If the
strongest currents and prevailing winds be coincident in direction,
the outlet of the harbor is on the leeward side. |

When rivers and small streams do not project delias into the
sea, the surf frequently throws up a bank of shingle or sand, so
as to block up their mouths; and then, a fresh water pond or lake
is the result. This effect, however, is much modified by the size
of the materials, forming the beach across their outlet. If the ma-
terials be coarse gravel and pebbles, or shingle, the water filters
through at ebb tide, so as to retain it near the tide level; but if they
be fine sand, the water accumulates until it overflows the obstacle,
or has a sufficient head to excavate a-channel through the barrier,
and escape.

Almost every bay, inlet and marsh, on the north coast of Long
Island, and also, on the south coast, where they are not protected

No. 161.] a

from the sea by the long sandy islands, which have been mention-
ed in the preceding article, have their outlets blocked up entirely
by the materials deposited,. or so nearly, as to leave only narrow
entrances. Strong currents set along the shore, and these, aided
by the oblique action of the surf, roll the pebbles and sand up
the beach, which, on the retiring of the waves, are ‘swept again
into the surf, having described a semicircular line, and perhaps
progressed several feet by the action of asingle wave, This mode
of transport is seen almost every where on these coasts. The
cliffs are undermined, and the coarser parts of their wrecks are
thus tumbled along from place to place, by each succeeding storm.
‘The particular local effects of such causes can only be fully under-
stood by visiting the localities, or having accurate detailed topo-
graphical maps, like those now in progress under the supervision
of the superintendent of the National Coast Survey. It is hoped,

that those maps of Long Island will be published before the geolo-
gical survey of the State of New-York shall have been completed,
in order, that an accurate, detailed, geological map of this part of
the State may be formed, so as to illustrate the numerous impor-
tant geological details. The transporting action, above alluded to,
has been the most effective agent in the formation of the marine
alluvions of Long Island. This Island has been composed of one
principal, and several small detached islands, which are now con-
nected with each other and with the main island. The east end of
the Island, from Montauk Point to Nepeague beach, seems to have
been at some former time two separate islands, which have since
been connected with each other, and with the main island, by the
westward currents sweeping along detrital matter, derived from
the continual destruction of cliffs of loose materials. Nepeague
beach is five miles long, a great part of which is loose, drifting
sand, enclosing marshes and salt ponds. This beach is so low in
some places, that the tides frequently overflow it. The skeleton
of a whale is said to be now imbedded in these sands. At Fort
Pond bay, a few miles east of Nepeague beach, a narrow strip of
shingle, frequently overflowed by the tides, separates the Atlan-
tic from this bay, whichis separated from Long Island Sound bya
beach, sometimes open, but often blocked up with sand. Great
Hog Neck, and Little Hog Neck, near Sagg Harbor, were once
islands which have been united by a sand and shingle beach, and
the latter with the main island. Farrington Neck, a few miles
west of these, was an island which is now united with the main
Island by a low beach. That part of the township of Southold,

t

78." [AsseaBLy

which is situated on the main Island, was originally three islands,
now connected with each other and with the main Island, by
beaches and marshes of alluvial formation.* | Those long points
of alluvion called sand spits, projecting from the land, in the line
of the eddy currents, and formed by them, are very common, and
they are, in fact, the unfinished beaches which will eventually ob-
struct the outlet of harbors and bays, and connect islands with
each other. An interesting alluvial formation is now in progress
on the north and north-west sides of Loyd’s neck, in Huntington,
and formed entirely by the deposite of the coarse detrital matter,
swept along by the current from the destruction of the high cliffs
in the vicinity. This deposite is about one quarter of a mile broad, .
partly marsh and salt pond, protected by a high bank of shingle,
piled up and continued westward, so that the present outlet. of
the pond is half a mile further west than it was within a recent
time; the shingle having been continua]lly’swept westward, while
the flux and reflux of the tide through the narrow channel, keeps
its outlet open.

The ponds and small bays, on the south side of Long Island, in
the townships of Southampton and Easthampton, frequently have
their outlets closed by beaches, formed by the detrital matter swept
coastwise by the tidal currents and the waves. The long sandy
islands on the south coast of Long Island, which protect it from
the heavy waves of the Atlantic, are doubtless formed by the same
cause. Long beach isa sand-spit extending from Ben’s Point, near
Oyster Pond Point, westward, four and one-fourth miles, and has
been formed by the detritus being swept coastwise and deposited in
the eddy currents. ‘This beach gives safety to Oyster Pond’s har-
bor, by serving as a natural breakwater. (Vide map of Oyster
Pond Point.) ‘Iwo sand-spits were observed in Cold Spring har-
bor, resulting from causes similar to those above detailed.

* The effects of alluvial action can be distinctly seen on the map of Oyster Pond Point,
This map shows where two of the islands which were once separated from the E. end of
the N. branch of Long Island, have been connected by the beach E, and the sand-spit C,
enclosing a large pond F, with an outlet only wide enough for a mill sluice. A tide
mill is constructed at this outlet. Mr. W. H. Sidell, a highly promising and accomplish-
ed civil engineer, has made a minute topographical map of the country from River Head
to Oyster Pond Point, in the discharge of his duties as engineer of the Logg Island rail-
road; and I am indebted to his kindness for being able to illustrate graphically the trans-
porting power of the waves and of tidal currents, and the effects produced by the deposite
of sand and shingle forming long spits and beaches. . .

od

?

No. 161.] 79

My assistant in the survey of the 1st Geological District, Mr.
Caleb Briggs, jun., has examined in detail the north coast of the
west part of Suffolk county, and I may be allowed to quote from
an abstract, some of his valuable observations upon important geo-
logical phenomena of this part of the island. He did not com-
mence his duties on the detailed surveys, until after the middle of
Oct.; yet, the annexed extract shews his industry, as well as the
care and accuracy of his investigations, during the short time that
elapsed before winter set in.

‘The head lands and cliffs, on this part of the island, are con=
tinually wearing away, by the action of the sea; and the materials
of which they are composed, consisting principally of clay, sand,
gravel and pebbles, are transported by tidal currents, and deposi-
ted in other places.”’

‘‘Fully to understand the causes which have been in operation,
and the effects which have been produced, reference should be
made to a map on which are indicated all the indentations of the
sea into the land; as creeks, inlets, harbours and bays; all islands,
and all projection of the land into the sea; as necks, promonto-
ries, &c.

‘The tidal currents, in sweeping along the headlands and cliffs,
undermine them, and transporting the materials of which they are
composed, form shoals, block up the mouths of small inlets and
creeks, so as to form fresh water ponds, by preventing the ingress
of salt water; throw up sand beaches in front of marshes; form
sand spits across the mouths of harbours; and connect islands with
each other and with the main island.

‘Huntington Harbour, certainly one of the best on the island,
is of alluvial origin.* By reference to the map of Long Island,
it will be seen that this harbour is formed by two necks of land,
Loyds’ neck on the west and northwest, and Eaton’s neck on the
east and northeast. Loyd’s neck, which was originally an island,
has been connected with the main island by a low sand-beach, now
overflowed at high water: Eaton’s neck was formerly a cluster of
four islands, which have, in the same way, been connected with
each other, and with the main island. A sand-spit one and one-

* Hunting ton Harbor embraces within it three smaller ones, viz. Loyd’s harbor, Cow
_ harbor, and one near the village in Huntington, not designated by name on Burr’s Co.
map.

“ie

80 [Assrmeiy

fourth mile in length, and from ten to twenty rods in width, makes
out into the harbor from the south-west part of Eaton’s neck, and -
adds much to its safety; as also, a similar one from the S. E. part |
of Loyd’s neck.

‘“‘'There is abundant evidence that this harbor, and the safety of
the smaller ones in the vicinity, are the result of alluvial action.
The materials, composing the sand-beaches and spits which I have
mentioned, are precisely like those now thrown up by the action
of the surf; they consist of pebbles, gravel and fine sileceous
sand, interspersed with water-worn shells, belonging to genera
and species now living on the coast; and they are destitute of bould-
ers, which characterise all those low places formed by the degrada-

“tion of the superincumbent materials. |

‘The beach, connecting Eaton’s neck with the main island, is
three and a half miles in length, and ten to thirty rods in width.
Mr. Gardner, who ‘‘ keeps the light” on Eaton’s neck informed
me, that some years since, a vessel, during a violent storm, hav-
ing been driven upon this beach, and an excavation made to get her
off, marsh mud was found beneath the sand near tide water level,
precisely like that in a small marsh on the opposite side of the
beach, clearly indicating the manner of formation at that place.

‘‘On the northwest part of Eaton’s neck, a sand-beach, one-
half or three-fourths of a mile in length, has been thrown up in
front of a marsh containing several acres. It has formed rapidly
since the remembrance of Mr. Gardner, who says he has seen
sloops loaded with wood, float in places now some feet above tide
water level.

‘« The long stretch of beach connecting Eaton’s neck with the
main island, is continued three-fourths ofa mile eastward, and is,
a part of the way, formed in front of cliffs which it protects from
the farther encroachment of the sea, and the remaining distance,
before a small pond skirted with marsh, which formerly communi-
cated with the sea by means of a creek, now filled with alluvial

sand.
‘“‘ A sand-beach one-fourth of a mile in length has been formed,
between Long-Island Sound and Crab-meadows, through which a

creek, entering obliquely from the N. W. passes in a serpentine
direction through the marsh. By the action of violent winds the

Nov i61.] 81

7

finer particles of sand are formed into hillocks, which are very
slowly moving inland.

‘¢ At Fresh Pond creek is asimilar sand-beach. The small pond
at that place communicates with the sea, by means of a small
creek, which is often filled by alluvial sands, so as to prevent the
ingress of the salt water. The obstructicn has sometimes been re-
moved by digging, and at others, the water, rising in the pond,
bursts its barrier, and finds its way to the ocean, removing every
obstacle, and making the channel deeper even than before.

** At Sunken-Meadows is a sand-beach one-half mile in length,
through which a creek enters obliquely from the north-east. Mr.
Abraham Smith says that this beach has extended thirty rods in an
easterly direction, since his remembrance.

‘©On the north part of Crane’s neck is a shingle-beach, about a
mile in length, between Flax Pond and the Sound. The pond is
skirted with marsh, and communicates with the sea by an opening
called Flax Pond gut. The tidal current is so strong on this part
of the coast, that the finer materials have been carried onwards,
while the coarser, consisting of pebbles, varying in size from a
marble to two or three inches in diameter, have been left to form
this beach. A large proportion of the finer materials appear to
have been swept to the south-west part of the neck, where, having
been deposited, they form shoals, and a long sand-beach between
the sea and a marsh of several acres in extent.*

‘‘ By the action of water on the head-lands, sand-spits have been
formed across the mouths of Old Man’s, Drown Meadow, Setau-
ket, Stony Brook and Smithtown harbors. They are rendered
safer by these alluvial deposites, but they afford shelter only to
vessels of small burthen, on account of sand-bars which extend
from the extreme points of the sand-spits across their entrances,
which, I am informed, in some instances, are moving westward.”

The subject of marine alluvion has been discussed more in de-
tail than may seem consistent with the very general nature of the
remarks, which are intended to be made in the annual reports; but
these deposites are a matter of so much importance to the com-
munity, in varying the geographical arrangement of small tracts
of land, in affecting the navigation, either beneficially or the re-

* Sand from this beach is used in sawing marble.

fAssem. No. 161.] 11

82 [AssEMBLY

verse, in increasing the area of estates, in covering them with
fresh-water, by daming up the outlets of small streams, &c., that
I have deemed it necessary to bring forward some of the most im-
portant of the facts bearing upon such objects. Details of local
geology will generally be brought forward in the final report only.

Land Slides.

I.and slides on a small scale, are of very common occurrence on
many parts of the north coast of Long-Island. They are in some
places caused by the sea undermining the cliffs, so that the super-
incumbent masses crack off at a short distance from their edges,
and slide down to a lower level, carrying with them trees and
shrubs, and sometimes even without changing their relative posi-
tion. These phenomena are common along the north shore, but
they are more striking and numerous where there are clay-beds,
and particularly so, where the clay slightly inclines towards the
sea. Where the cliffs are high, they present an appearance of
steps, in consequence of the successive slides.*

Another cause of slides is, the undermining action of land-
springs, which often convert sand into quicksand, so that it flows
from the cliffs, and bears along with it the superincumbent masses;
but in most instances they are caused by springs, rendering the upper
surface of clay beds slippery, so that large masses from the cliffs slide
down upon the shore, and even into the sea. Several acres have
thus slidden off at once, and sunk in level from 20 to 150 feet. By
this means ravines of considerable extent are frequently formed

* Small slides have been observed about Albany, caused by springs rendering the clay
slippery next the rock, which is frequently smooth, and allows large masses to slide inte
the ravines and valleys below.

The slides at Troy during the summer of 1836, and on the Ist of January, 1837, were
also caused by springs of water. The locality at which these slides took place, presented
a nearly vertical face of gravel and clay beds, of 227 feetin height. The upper part of the
cliff probably cracked, and the land spring (which forms a considerable stream of water,
and which from some unknown cause had been stopped,) filled the fissure, rendered the
clay slippery, and acting by its great hydrostatic pressure, burst off the cliff, which tum-
bled in huge fragments, sliding along as a mass of ruins, carrying every thing before it.
The avalanche, after reaching the level ground, slid onwards about 800 feet, crossed one
street and stopped at the second, crushing three houses and two barns, and destroying
the lives of several persons, who were buried beneath the materials. ~The avalanche was
accompanied by torrents of water and mud, rushing with a roaring noise over the fallen
ruins. The fragments of the cliff form a very uneven surface of small irregular hills; the
masses of clay are in huge fragments, with their layers placed at every angle of inclina-
tion and in every direction, and cover a surface about equivalent to 200 yards in length
by 100 in breadth, and from 10 to 40 feet deep. By a moderate estimate, 200,000 tons
of earth were thus transported to a distance of about 200 yards.

No. 161.] 83

by successive slides along the line of one of these springs, and in
some instances, these valleys form the only places for roads to the
beach. A great number of examples of these slides may be seen
a little west of Petty’s Bight, between Hudson’s and Roanoke
Points, and between Eastbrook and Swesey’s landing. One of the
most remarkable slides is at Fresh Pond creek. The land having
thus slidden down within the reach of the surf, is carried away at
high tides, and during storms, thus allowing new slides to take
place in succession. The degradation of the land on this part of
coast, on individual farms, is comparatively trifling, but in the ag-
gregate, during a series of years, it is a matter of some moment.
It is a loss that cannot be remedied, except at too great an ex-
pense; but the loss is local, not general; for the materials washed
away from one place are deposited in another, and as much land
is probably recovered from the sea as is destroyed by it.

Sand-Dunes.

Sand-dunes are low hills of loose sand, which have been piled
up by the wind like drifting snow heaps, and like them, are fre-
quently changing their magnitude and position, so that, in some pla-
ces, productive lands are buried by the moving materials, while in
others they are uncovered by their removal. An instance was
mentioned to me of land in Southampton having been inundated by
sand, and after alapse of about fifty years, it was uncovered by its
drifting off. On sea-coasts and in some places in the interior of a
country, the atmosphere is often clouded during high winds, with
the lighter particles of drifting sand, while the heavier are rolled
along on the surface. Every obstacle which creates an eddy cur-
rent in the wind, asa rock, fence, bush or tree, causes a deposite of
sand, which often serves as anucleus of ahillock. The sand-banks,
when first formed, present almost as much variety of outline and
form as snow-drifts after a snow-storm. Examples were observed
on the north shore of Long Island during the heavy winds of October,
where heaps of drift sand, two or three feet deep, were formed in
a few hours behind boulders and blocks of rock, which created eddy
currents in the wind. Sand-banks several feet deep were observed
in some of the ravines next the beach, that had been formed be-
tween the time of ihe storm of the 12th, and the time observed on
the 17th October. A small pond near Horton’s point, has been
converted into a meadow by the drifting sand filling it up, within
the remembrance of Mr. Horton, of Southold.

84 [ As#EMBLY

The sand-dunes along the shore are so prominent as to mark the
line of coast in many places, when seen at the distance of several
miles, presenting a very broken, undulating or serrated outline of
white hillocks, from ten to forty feet high. On almost all the
beaches are hillocks of drift sand, and in many places the high -
bluffs on the north coast are capped with them. Jacob’s hill, north-
west of Mattituck, was once much higher than Cooper’s hill east
of it; but the sand has blown off, so that it is now much lower at
the former place. Some arable land has been covered over, and
red cedar trees have been buried by the drift sand. The grounds
occupied by the dunes are exceedingly irregular in form; in some
places covered with small round-backed hills, with deep, irregular
or bowl-shaped valleys, formed by the wind scooping the sand out, °
where it is not confined by the roots of the scanty vegetation that
gains a foothold in some places. The myrtle bush (Myrica ceri-
fera), the red cedar (Juniperus Virginianus), the beach grass
(Psamma arenaria), and a small creeping vine, are almost the only
things that take root in these changing, arid sands.

the south shore of Long Island, from Nepeague beach to South-
ampton, is skirted with a line of sand-hills, presenting a very irre-
gular broken appearance in the distance. Nepeague beach is co-
vered for a considerable breadth with loose drifting sands, forming
small hillocks of almost every variety of shape. ‘The south beach
of Long Island is almost entirely a line of hillocks, and is compo-
sed of achain of long narrow islands of sand, from one to five or
six miles from the main island.

The sand washed up by the surf, having dried on the beach, is
borne inland by the wind, and piled up in heaps, and in some pla-
ces, in consequence of the predominance of certain strong winds
in one direction, they make a regular progressive movement, bury-
ing farms, houses, cities, and even whole tracts of country. No
effects of this kind were observed on Long Island, of sufficient mo-
ment to affect the general value of farms, except in a few indivi-
dual instances.

Should such causes ever threaten the destruction of property,
their effects may be arrested by the cultivation of some plants
which vegetate only in the most barren sands; by this means, their
roots will confine the sand, and prevent its drifting... This course is
pursued in some parts of Europe with obvious advantage.

No. 161.] i

Economical Uses of Sands.

Three kinds of sand are found on Long Island, viz: siliceous
sand, garnet sand and iron sand. These sands are mixed with each
other in variable proportions. They result, as has before been re-
marked, from the degradation of land, the disintegration of bould-
ers, and the grinding up of pebbles by the action of the surf.

The siliceous sand is found every where along the coast, and
constitutes most of the soil of the island. In some localities, it
contains grains of red and yellow feldspar; in others, grains of
black hornblende. Much of it is of good quality for the manufac-
ture of common glass, for sawing marble, and for making mortar.

Red garnet sand is not uncommon on the shore.* In some ope-
rations, this sand may perhaps be used as a substitute for emery.

Magneticiron sand is found in small quantities along the whole
coast of Long Island, where the surf beats on the shore. It is so
abundant in some localities after storms, that perhaps it may be col-
lected for blotting sand and for iron ore. Layers of it two or
three inches thick were seen in many places.

Garnet and iron sands both occur more abundantly after storms;
and the reason is, that the surf, as it rolls upon the beach, carries
the various kinds of sand along with it, and during the reflux of the
wave, the water washes back the lighter grains, leaving the heavy
sands behind. Each wave repeats this process, and the garnet
and iron sands thus accumulate in layers. The same principle is
applied in the artificial separation of metals and ores from sand
‘and pulverized rocks in metallurgic operations.

Salt Marshes, or Marsh Alluvions.

Salt marshes are very extensive on the coast of Long Island,
and. they are of much value for meadow lands. These alluvions
result from a combination of several causes. The first step in
their formation, is, the deposite of a sand or shingle beach, by
marine currents sweeping along detrital matter, and depositing it in
the eddy currents, in front of shallow bays and re-enterings of the
coast, so as to shelter these spaces from the action of the surf, if
they were before exposed to it. They are also made shallower

Ne a aaa cara at)
* The most interesting localities are at Oyster Pond point, the shore between Old Man’s
and Miller’s place, and that between Horton’s point and Mattituck inlet,

86 [ ASSEMBLY

by the sand and silt carried in by the tide, the deposites from the
surface waters of the adjacent country, and by sand drifted from
the beach. Not only marine animals and plants, by their growth
and decay, add new matter to the gradually shoaling pond or bay,
but the accumulation of drifted sea-weed, trees, &c. serve to in-
crease the alluvion at every successive storm. ‘These various
causes combined, gradually shoal the water with alluvial deposi-
tions, until marsh grass finally takes root upon the surface. In
the formation of these marine alluvions, vegetable remains far
exceed the other materials in volume, so that an imperfect marine
peat results. The marine peat observed in most localities, was of
inferior quality: it was light and spongy, containing undecomposed
vegetable matter.

Alluvial Sandstones, &c.

Sandstones, conglomerates and brown iron ore, are continually
forming, in small quantities, in several localities, by the action of
mineral springs, and by the decomposition of pyrites.

The mineral waters producing these effects are chalybeate, and
on flowing into the low grounds, or on exposure to the air, lose their
excess of carbonic acid, by means of which the precipitated car-
bonate of iron had been held in solution. This precipitate, acting
_ as a cement, unites the grains of sand into a ferruginous sandstone.
It generally occurs in thin plates, from 4 inch to 2 inches thick;
but occasionally in thick masses. At Broad-meadow Point, called
also Iron Point, 2 or 3 miles east of River-head, in Suffolk county,
this recent sandstone may be seen, at low water, in thick solid
masses. It may also be seen in the sand cliffs between Roanoke
Point and Mattituck Inlet.

Nodular masses of iron pyrites are not uncommon in the pebble
beds of Suffolk county, and by their decomposition, form brown
oxide of iron or haematite, enveloping the adjacent substances
which serve as nuclei. When nodules of clay, or decomposable
stones are thus enveloped, geodes of brown haemetite are the re-
sult. ‘These are abundant at the high cliff on the northeast side
of Loyd’s neck, in Huntington. Where these geodes are numer-
ous, a kind of ferruginous conglomerate is tormed of gravel, peb-
bles and geodes. At the above locality, the geodes and conglome-
rate were confined to a stratum of only a few inches in thickness.
Two geodes were found filled with water.

No. 161.] 87

The filtering of clay in suspension in water; is another cause
now forming sandstones and conglomerates, but they are too easi-
ly crumbled to be useful.

Salt. Evaporation of sea-water by cords or fagots.

Salt is manufactured on some parts of the shore of Long Island,
by exposing sea-water in shallow vats, to the sun and wind.

A method of evaporating very weak brine is pursued at Mou-
tiers, in the Alps, which, in my opinion, may be introduced with
advantage on our coasts, and perhaps with still greater profit in the
salt spring region. This method consists in exposing a great sur-
face continually to the action of the winds, either by permitting
the brine to trickle down cords attached to troughs twenty or thir-
ty feet above the ground, leading to other troughs below; or by
permitting it io trickle through loose brush, thrown into open frames
of slight timber work, between the upper and lower series of
troughs.. The lower series of troughs conducts the concentrated
brine to reservoirs. The location usually selected is on a hill
side, where the brine, coming from one set of frames, flows direct-
ly into the upper conductor of another set at a lower level, the top
of which is on a level with the bottom of the preceding, and from
the second set of frames passes to a third in the same manner, un-
til it is concentrated, nearly to the point of crystallization. It is
then boiled down and crystallized in the usual way. These com-
‘binations of frames are several hundred yards in length, with a
breadth of a few feet. Their length is placed in a direction per-
pendicular to that of the prevailing dry winds, in order that the
greatest effect may be produced. The sulphate of lime, and other
salts of moderate solubility, are deposited on the cords or brush,
which, after a time, become coated with a solid, stony crust of con-
siderable thickness. ‘This method is employed at the place men-
tioned, in evaporating water containing only one and six-tenths
per cent of salt, with considerable profit. 8,000 hogsheads of the
water are thus concentrated to 500 hogsheads, and this strong so-
lution is then boiled down. Local circumstances must necessarily
be taken into consideration, in calculating whether this method may

be profitably introduced in any particular locality.
te

Erratic Blocks.

The erratic blocks of Suffolk county are of some importance, as
they furnish the only rocks for building and wall stones.

88 _[AssemBiy

There is one circumstance connected with these boulders which
I will mention, on account of the bearing it has upon some ques- -
tions in the scientific part of geology. I will state only general
facts, without entering, at this time, into the minute details, or the
conclusions to be drawn from them. The boulders and blocks
vary in size from a pebble to masses weighing several hundred
tons,* and are mostly found on the range of hills running through
the island, and between them and the north shore. The boulders
and blocks are contained in a stratum which is inter-stratified with
deposites of sand, clay and gravel, and is often exposed along the
coast. Some of the biocks when first disinterred, exhibit scratches
upon one or more of their sides. Rocks like those occurring on
Long Island are found in Rhode Island, Connecticut, and along the
Hudson river, and they are so similar in their mineralogical cha-
racters and associations, as to lead to the conclusion that they were
originally derived from those places. Again, as we progress west-
ward from Montauk point to, Brooklyn along the north shore, there
is a regular succession of the groups of boulders, pebbles and gra-
vel, corresponding to the successive changes in the rocks on the
north side of the Sound. For example, the boulders on the east
end of Long Island, are like the granite, gneiss, mica slate, green-
stone and sicnite of Rhode Island and the east part of Connecti-
cut; further westward, opposite New-London and the mouth of
Connecticut river, are boulders like the New-London and Connec-
ticut river granites, gneiss and hornblende rock; opposite New-
Haven, are found the red sandstone and conglomerate, fissile and
micaceous red sandstone, trap conglomerate, compact trap, amyg-
daloid and verd antique; opposite Black-Rock are the granites,
gneiss, hornblende, quartz and white limestone, like those in Fair-
field county; and from Huntington to Brooklyn, the trap (compact,
erystalline, &c.) red sandstone, gneiss, granite, hornblende rock,
serpentine and crystalline limestone, are found identical in appear-
ance with those of the country between New-Jersey and Connec-
ticut. The fact of the perfect correspondence of the mineral cha-
racters, and of the associated minerals of these pebbles, boulders
and blocks, with those of known beds on the main land, has alrea-
dy been alluded to; but another fact of as great importance, is,
that these*blocks, boulders, &c. are in a southerly direction from
those beds, and this direction is generally different from the line

—

“ A single one of these blocks at Oyster Pond point, has been split up, anda stone wall
of four feet high and eighty rods in length has been made from that alone.

No: 161.] 89

of bearing of the strata. These facts indicate that the boulders
and blocks have been transported by some natural means, from
their original location to the one they at present occupy. The
size of some of these masses, many of which weigh 100 tons or
more, and the fact of iheir being imbedded in sand, gravel and
loam, and that they repose upon the same materials, forbids the
idea of their transport having been the result of powerful currents
of water. Mountain streams often transport blocks of many tons
weight to considerable distances, but never across beds of loose
materials like clay, sand and gravel, without removing them also.
The theory of transport by ice corresponds more closely with facts
than any other which has been proposed. The occurrence of these
boulders and blocks, as it were, in nests, on the north side of the
hills, and generally on elevated grounds, strongly favors this view
of the subject. .The facts collected in relation to the erratic blocks
and boulders are now numerous, and form an extremely interest-
ing subject of investigation, in consequence of the important con-
clusions which may be drawn from them.

| Clays.

The clays of Suffolk county are so abundant and varied in their
characters, as to be adapted to various useful purposes. The beds
are extensively wrought in some places, and the clays are mostly
used for the manufacture of bricks; from 4,000,000 to 5,000,000 of
which are annually made on West Neck near Huntington.

White clays, which have the external characters of potter’s clay,
oecur on West neck, Loyd’ s neck, Eaton’s neck, East neck and
Little neck.

Brown clays, suitable for stone ware, and others for coarse pot-
tery, abound in many places in the west part of the county. Both
the white and brown clays are carried to distant parts for these
manufactures. Some of the clays have the»external appearance
of good fire clays, but actual experiment only can determine their
fitness for this use. These clays contain no lime, and therefore
are far less likely to melt in the fire than ordinary clays.

Some of the clay beds on West neck and Loyd’s neck are ochre-
ous, and perhaps they may be profitably used in the manufacture
of yellew ochre.

[Assem. No, 161.] 12

90 [ASSEMBLY

Clays must not be expected every where in the county, still they
exist in most parts at a greater or less depth. In some places the
strata are very much waved, bent and contorted; indeed, they
were not observed in any place to be continuously horizontal for
any great distance, so that where a clay bed emerges upon the
surface, it may, within a few rods, plunge so deep below, that a
well a hundred feet in depth will not reach it. The clay beds are
associated with strata of gravel, sand and pebbles, with which
they alternate. The clays towards the east part of the county,
lie at a greater depth than they do near Huntington.

Fossil wood or lignite has been found in several places in the
clays, and in their associated beds of sand and gravel, but in no in-
stance in sufficient quantity for fuel. Sometimes it appears like
charcoal, in others it is changed to iron ore, either hematite or
pyrites. It was seen on Loyd’s neck, Katon’s neck, East neck,
Little neck and Mount Misery, and has been found in many places
at from 20 to 100 feet below the soil.

Fossil shells are said to have been found in several places, by
persons worthy of credit, and it is only remarkable, that in de-
posites of this kind more have not been observed. I saw none of
the shells, and Mr. Briggs, who was very particular in his inquiries
and researches, found only a fragment of a single shell, and this,
too imperfect for the determination of the species. Recent shells
are so common on the soil, either where they have been used asa
manure by the inhabitants or left in heaps, or scattered around the
sites of former Indian villages, that even where they have been
thrown up in digging wells, they may not have been observed,

Although the most particular attention was directed to all the
phenomena, connected with the banks of shells so common near
the shores of Suffolk county, yet not an individual shell was observ-
ed which was not, perhaps, indentical with the species now exist-
ing in the adjacent waters; and none of these banks were buried
under other materials than light drift sand or recent alluvial wash
from the adjacent hills.

The subject of fossil shells should excite the attention of our
farmers, for, where such shells are found, it is very often the case
that extensive beds of marl occur, which would be of inestimable
value in a district where manures are so necessary and expensive

No. 161.] 91

as on Long Island. The heaps of shells on the old village sites of
the aborigines, are used on Long Island as a manure, and as they
decay slowly, their fertilizing effects continue for a long time.

Pyrites, (sulphuret of iron,) a yellow and brilliant ore, which has
so often, when found, excited expectations of rich gold mines, oc-
curs in many places in the clay beds of Suffolk county. I[t is usu-
ally found in the dark blue clays. containing lignite, and in many
instances the substance of the original vegetable is replaced by this
beautiful but deceptive mineral. This mineral is so easily distin-
guished from gold, that it need not be mistaken for that precious
metal. Gold is so soft that it can be cut by a knife like lead; but
pyrites is brittle, and so hard as to strike fire with steel, and when
put on the fire burns and gives a sulphurous odour. Should this
mineral be found in large quantities, it might be used with advan-
tage in the manufacture of copperas and alum. It was seen more
abundantly at the clay pits on West neck and Little neck, near
Huntington, than in any other locality.

State Museum of Natural History.

In conclusion, it may not be amiss to suggest the propriety of
erecting. a building, specially to accommodate the specimens col-
lected during the progress of the geological survey; so that they
may serve to illustrate, in a conspicuous manner, the various natu-
ral productions of the State. Forty boxes of specimens have al-
ready been collected in two of the districts, during the past sum-
mer; and even these, if arranged in the State library rooms, would
be a great encumbrance. The spacious hall of the Albany Insti-
tute, which has been generously placed at the service of the geolo-
gists, and in which the specimens collected are now deposited,
shews the necessity of the erection of an edifice specially for the
reception of our rich and varied natural productions.

Persons who have had opportunities of examining extensive col-
lections of natural objects, cannot but be aware, that much de-
pends on their arrangement, so that the light may fall apon them in
sucha manner as to shew them to the bestadvantage. It is there-
fore desirable, that an edifice should be constructed with special
reference to this object. A State Museum of Natural History,
like the British Museum, the Jardin des Plants, or others in Eu-
rope, would do honor to the State, and be an example worthy of
imitation by others.

92 | ASSEMB LY

Geological surveys of other States are now in progress, and ar-
rangements might doubtless be made to exchange complete suits of
specimens, so that collections may be obtained which will illustrate
the various organic and inorganic productions of the United States;
and if desirable, exchanges might be negociated for extensive col-
lections of the natural productions of foreign countries.

I have the honor to be,
Sir, your obed’t serv’t,
W. W. MATHER,
Geologist of the 1st geol. district
of the State of New-York.
Albany, fan. 31st, 1837. |

ABSTRACT OF CONTENTS

Of the Report of the First Geological District of the
State of New-York.

Ie Gemerdl considerations, 6.686 000 Cedi dabee Cle t ieseee GI
Mining—eagerness for mineral explorations.......... 62
Associations of minerals, .... 2... csse cescces er te
Advantages from diffused geological knowledge, ...... 62
Difficulties to be overcome in ac ee the survey

without more assistants or time,. CR ee Cet ee eees 63

If. Reconnaisance of the Ist geological district,
Valuable minerals and rocks abundant, .............. 68
Building stones along the Hudson, ...... tveees 68
Flagging stones and slates in the valley of the Hudson, 63
Marbles, (white, clouded, dark colored, variegated and

CORE OMCTAML Se ee Soe US I oa Ee oe eet . 63
Stones for common and hydraulic lime, ........ creas 64
Granite and gneiss of the Highlands,............ ose. 64

Importance of testing the durability of ee stones,. 64

Clays of the Hudson and of eT ae csece G4
Number of bricks made,....... ree er ae
Lime manufactured along the Hudson, ee aoe ais sctoge, OF
Tron‘ore of Highlands abundant, ....00 600s aces ceoess 64
Supposed difficulties in the la an bea bee atecs cies tee
Coal of the valley of the Hudson, . Bele chetuidaeeiet ey GOD
Mineral springs,....... Ruble! sce!elbics,< oy 4) 6 charia erm ar ate
Soils—preliminary remarks,-. Sit Waas ceteh seo wie. sie sre, coors 66
‘s’- -gesult from rocks, .+*. .4 2 gree. GG

characters of, from particular classes of rocks, . «e- 66
variations of, due to mechanical and ehendiowl cau-

SESjicc sss eccass sual cal si 7a olcovatil ara! seatacetre toric) sha er etye!e - 66
‘texture dependant on,...... B ijevei tolerated AU Ge co aha esky 66
effect of substrata on soils, . sien war's rayeie ssh -OO
Drainage effected by a knowledge oe a gevioges
FAG aes Loi Age eee 6 Oe
Mode of changing ‘bad to “good soils, aaiiis. orca) sates 67
Stones an advantage on light soils,......+.. eee 67

Chemical composition of soils, 6. ..e+ seeeeeeeee rere wane 67

94 [ ASSEMBLY

Page.

Salts, alkalies, and pulverized rock, good manures on
some ‘soils... Reasoms why, ‘soe. 45 sss. eee eae
Iron in some states of combination beneficial,.........
Mears, :. sso i s3aistawiete Mee eee Leeees savae> 9000 Gee
Organic contents of soils important, ......s cecenseens
Manures: Rotations of manures,......... ee ihe
Double rotations:ef -erops,...< 24... Rema agns 5 a
Manures ef gueng-Island, vas. eeere, «- 5 eed Bed oes eee
Reason of the utility Of ashes,..: 2 s.ens bbe ls eee
Suggested improvement.in their uSe;.... s¢ 0+ fay nes
Harbor mtd poo he oS Oa Oe
Alluvial deposites, Min. awe Fe be. ERLE . vce Vaan
Peat—vari ieties and general remarks, . ae eae ewan 's
' Situations in which it is found,...... é i 5 kame tance ete
Value not yet appreciated, i. +00.9.4 #34 ‘ed meen amin
Used for fuel, burning bricks and lime, and for ma-
Sheil Marl. sa de of ACRURIRIAN N'Y sian Sahai iadipaatala tes oe
Situations in which it is found, ..... wb areeidynebne eae
How it may be recognized. ae sie. corms Spee bw 6 <
Oltenscovered by peat, s/s. eis .4 be wena wrcle sates
Uses of this marl for manure, lime, and for whiting,.
Value not yet.appreciated, fa+s gumiet aw wee os
Boz Ore. Mode of formationy owxsiesainiads, mn eae «
- Localities and seg. s. sins dae. to4 sce a gargtine .«

O67
68
68
68
68

. 68

69
69
69
70
70
70
70
71

71
71
71
72
72
72
72
72
73

ill. Local Details of the Economical Geology of Suffolk County.

Alluvial action.

Encroachments of the sea. Remarks,.........see00.
Degradation of the 8S. E. and N. E. sides of Long-Island,

‘¢ Gardner’s, Plum, and Gull Islands, ....

is ¢ Ovster-Pond Point, -. oc. een
Marine alluvial detritus. Beaches, shoals, ao ia aeons,
General causes and €ieCis,. . a ew ie ats smb tp. pe eee
Local'details,..... .... dal dine Sie aia Sieg aL eee ae
Long-Island was for merly coniposed of several islands, .
Alluyial beaches, bars, spits, &c. formed and now form-
Tia Misie a cide (ts o'6 ee noe pis siaue\ eaters ae one 77,
Effects of these deposites rendering some harbors safe
aid spoiling others, 5.4 tke we ems cn ps pte sc Oe
Land slides. Caan NTI aE AD. A digo alae ig ;
Local détails in -Saffolk county, J ius oes she ss eee
lide at Troy, is o's sone ee ee ee ee aa Ge
Sand dunes. Causes and ea Geta Rl vhs oes 8 oc ee
Mode-of arresting thelr progresg.s.. 1.) . em. sa eee
Economical ses of Sands, cu ssw neces s <2 «/sis, spamew adie
Salt marshes. Mode of formation. Marine peat,..seee-
Alluvial sandstone and conglomerates. Mode of formation,
Pyrites, brown iron ore, hematite. Geodes,.........

74
714
74
75
76
76
17
77.

78

No. 161.] 95

Page.

Salt from sea water. Suggested improvement in manu-
MM east 5 05 Gi0%) aio! Smid gh as'w/ hee eee OARS A Soralis oie WAT WNE. ahah waive) EMO
ipratiea Glecks. . Kiconomical: uses, ....0' 2. s'egeac ees a ee

* Important facts in their distribution, ....+ee......+2+ 88
Tertiary clays of Suffolk county;.... ase cece sdacuveces BO
Economical uses of these clays.. Kinds of clay, . Dsiweray) GO
Occur abundantly on Long-Island, . E ror oe Mle ata) acai’ -- 89
Undulating strata. Too deep for use in some places, -- 90
Lignite of the clays and associated beds,....+.. (ssve=+. 90
Shells,. Pere veer cere Fees FH oe reas vee on sere rnaeererre @ 90

eset thesesiells;¢... (Mier ols atieevccsasiens.s Se are 90
Importance of noticing ‘the occurrence ae shells buried
HOPE CCEAELID, sce ony i's ec ws sia cis eae t oa eeu 9 Oe

Pyrites often mistaken for gold; and its USES see ee Bae sree
were piuseym of Natural History, ..55 scperyecrs conse 91

Ao i es -

FIRST ANNUAL REPORT

Of the Second Geological District of the State of
New-York, by Prof. E. Emmons.

To his Excellency W. L. Marcy,
Governor of New-York:

Sir—Agreeably to a-commission which I had the honor to re-
ceive from you, under date of June 2, 1836 to make a Geological
Survey of the northern part of the State, as provided by an act
of the Legislature, I beg leave to present the following.

REPORT.

That I might discharge my duties on the survey, so as to meet
the wishes of your Excellency, and the enlightened Legislature
who have placed at your disposal the substantial means for its
execution, I judged it necessary in the first place, to make a re-
connoisance of the territory assigned me. ‘This was the more
necessary, as a large portion of it was still clothed with unbro-
ken forests, and, being difficult of access, its geological structure
remained unknown. As the first step in the exploration of this
district was to be taken, the importance of obtaining a general
plan of its rock formation will doubtless be appreciated; and, con-
sidering the state of the country, and the circumstances under
which the survey was commenced, we hope no disappointment
will be felt, when it is perceived that much of this report is taken
up with an outline of its geology. In executing this part of our
task, some attention has been given to the valuable ores; the re-
sult of our inquiries in relation to them, will be found in the latter
part of this communication.

In stating some of the facts which came under our observation
during our tour of exploration, we have occasionally indulged -
[Assem. No. 161.] 13

we ~~

98 [ AssEMBLY

ourselves in stating and disscussing theoretical points, but not to —

any great Jength, and only so far as is necessary to throw an in-
terest over what may be considered by some, dry geological details.
From these remarks, it will be seen that we have had two objects
in view; the first in importance, was, to obtain a general know-

ledge of the rock formation of the district; the second was to

examine the metalliferous deposites, more particularly those of
iron. But in order to avoid repetition, and to enable us to give our
views to the public in some definite shape, we shall state them
under three heads. Under the first will be found all that relates
to the topography of the district. Under the second we shall speak
of the kind of rocks in this district, their mode of occurrence,
their geographical boundaries, &c.; and in the third place, we shall
give an account of its metalliferous productions. In an appendix,
we shall give a list of a few interesting minerals of this section.

Ist. Topocrapuy. The Second Geological District occupies por-
tions of two large but unequal basins: one is called the basin of
the St. Lawrence, the other that of the Hudson. The former is
much greater in extent than the latter. The sides of the St. Law-
rence basin slope to the west, northwest, and north; and if we in-
clude in it Lakes George and Champlain, to the east also.. The
southern and southwestern slopes belong to the basin of the Hud-
son. Between these iwo basins there is a space of high table land,
on which are based numerous conical peaks, which appear more
or less independent, and unconnected with any minor ranges of
mountains. This high table land stretches to the southwest and
northeast; it is a part of the great Apalachian system of moun-
tains, which traverse the States diagonally, from Alabama to
Maine. The highest part of this mountain system is in New-
Hampshire, where Mount Washington rears itself to the height of
6,600 feet.

The groupe of peaks and high land in the northern counties of
this State, has been subdivided by geographers into five separate
ranges. Whether there is a foundation in nature for this subdi-
vision, or whether there is such a linear disposition of them as
makes it proper to speak of so many distinct chains or ranges, is
yet to be decided. Those placed in the centre of this mountain
district, were very early called McComb’s mountains; thus they
are namud with much propriety, we think, as they were embraced
in his extensive purchase. The highest peak among these moun-

No. 161.) - 99

* tains is about sixteen miles south from Whiteface,* and so far as we
know, has neither been ascended nor measured. Whiteface is ge-
nerally supposed to be the highest, but erroneously, as is proved
by levelling from its summit in range with those southern eleva-
tions. In this manner it has been ascertained that three of them,
at least, are higher than it. These heights, together with the ta-.
ble land on which they stand, are the true water-shed of the dis-

. trict. This is known from the fact that all the large rivers flowing
in the northern counties have their origin here. ‘Their sources are
either in marshes or lakes at the foot of these mountains, or they
rise from springs which gush from their sides, and dash in slender
cataracts over the cliffs and rocks, as they commence their journey
to the distant ocean.

These lakes, twenty or thirty of which may be seen from
Whiteface, appear clustering at the feet of the elevated peaks and
on those higher levels, and forming a beautiful contrast, by their
silvery expansions, to the dark forests which stretch to the horizon
on every side. These lakes will be of some importance to this
region, if it is settled by manufacturers and mining companies, by
furnishing water communication between distant neighborhoods;
as through them coal, ores, wood and manufactured articles might
be transported at a less expense than on the best of roads. Of
these, Long lake is the largest: it is eighteen miles long and six
broad. Its waters pass into the Racket river, instead of the Hud-
son, as is represented on some of the State maps, though there is
so little difference of level at its extremities, that it might be made
to flow southward into the Hudson.

In this region are the sources of the Hudson, Racket, Au Sable,
and Black rivers. The first, as is well known, flows south, to find
the Atlantic; the others pursue a northwesterly course, first ming-
ling their waters with the St. Lawrence, through whose channel
they find their way to the Atlantic of the north.

Again, barometrical measurement makes it highly probable that
this portion of the Apalachian system attains its greatest eleva-
tion in\this immediate neighborhood, and even higher than in any
other part of the State, as will appear in the sequel.

* Whiteface is a high mountain in the north part of Essex county, which receives its
name from the circumstance of a slide having, on one side, laid bare the rock, which has
a grayish white appearance. The rock is granite, a large proportion of which is white
feldapar.

&

100 [AssemBty

The waters which drain the western and northwestern slopes, ©
are the Oswegatchie, Grass, Racket, St. Regis and Salmon rivers.
The first originates on the southwestern and the last on the north-
ern slope, showing in the former case the commencement of a
more élevated region as the chain proceeds north; the latter indi-
cates a falling off of the same ridge as it progresses in the same
direction. The southern and eastern declivities of this water- .
shed are drained by the Hudson, Black and Au Sable rivers.
The first and last interlock at their sources, and flow through deep
gorges which have been formed, in part by the wearing action of
their own waters, but more by convulsions in former times, which
have rent and separated the rocky strata.

From these observations, it appears that this high table land at-
tains its greatest elevation near the sources of the Hudson and Au
Sable rivers, and that it falls on all sides to about a mean level,
but little higher than the ocean, in comparatively short distances.
On the east, towards Lake Champlain, the descent is much more
rapid than on the north-west, towards the St. Lawrence. Indeed,
a traveller is entirely deceived in passing from the latter river to
the Champlain over this tract: he cannot conceive that the general
level is 16 or 1,700 feet above the level of the ocean, so gradual
and imperceptible i is the rise.

It appears further, thatin this region we have one single central
ridge, to which all the other ridges are subordinate. It, in fact,
forms the nucleus of this district, an important fact to be kept in
mind in studying its geological structure. But little information
can be given of the lower ranges, only, that they are parallel to
the principal, and have a stratafication which conforms itself to that.

We have already remarked, that Whiteface is generally consi-
dered the highest of these mountains. Its height is stated at2,600
feet, while Roundtop, of the Catskill, is 3,804, making the latter
1,200 feet higher than the former. Suspecting previous to our visit
to Whiteface, that there was an error in this statement of its
height, and that probably it attained a greater elevation than had
been credited to it, we made arrangements for its measurement.
That our observations might be made under the most favorable
circumstances, we determined to visit it on the 20th and 2lIst of
September, as on those days* hourly observations are made on the

* These observations are made on the 21st and 22d.

No. 161.] 101

© height of the barometer at several important places, as Albany,

Burlington, Williams College, &c. The barometer we employed
was new, as the tube had been recently filled, and its vacuum gave
the usual indications of being in a good state, as it gave a sharp
concussion when the mercury came in contact with the end of the
tube. The kind we used was the common mountain barometer,
with a leathern bag to support the mercury, and through which air
has access to the mercury. The tube is one-tenth of an inch in
diameter, and its cistern one inch. On comparing it with a stan-
dard barometer, after our return, we found it 0.05 of an inch too
high. The one used at Burlington is of a superior kind; its cis-
tern is 285 feet above the level of the lake, and this varies in dif-
ferent seasons of the year from six to eight and ten feet. The ob-
servation with this barometer require 49.100 of a millimetre to
reduce them to those of the Royal Observatory at Paris. The
observations at Albany were made at the apartments of the Aca-
demy—height of the cistern above low water mark of the Hud-
son, 148 feet. Those at Williamstown were taken at the rooms in
the East College—height of the cistern above the Hoosic, 150 feet
—fall of the Hudson to Troy, 750 feet. Our first observation was
taken at the Elba iron works, distant from the mountain about
eight miles. We present the following table of observations, taken
at the:abovementioned places on the 20th and 21st of September,
from which not only the height of Whiteface may be calculated,
but also the relative heights of all the places there mentioned.

102 [ ASSEMBLY ©

TABLE OF BAROMETRICAL OBSERVATIONS.

. Sale ets
hit « ,
Ap peep sg ;
Places. g E\se| 8 Weather.
= a iael a |
Elba Iron Works,.} 7 A. MI [28.25 65° |65°

Lake Placid,.....{11 A. M.|28.15)67 67
Sum. of Whiteface] 6 P. Be as Nas 45 |Strong W. wind.

Burlington, ......| 6 P. M.|29.'70|71.9|70.9
21.

6 A. M.|80.16/60° (53.75|Overcast.
Albany, ..seee. < j12 M. 30.14/72 |'73.10) Wind brisk in the morning

4 P. M.j30.11/70.5/71.25
Sum. of Whiteface! 6 A. M./25.35]/44 |..... Wind strong from NE; el’y
Lake Placid, ..... 12 M. 28.31/59 “ates Wind light.
Elba Iron Works, 4 P. M.j28.41165

| 6 A. M./29.35|/51 |.... {Cloudy morning.

Williamstown, .< {12 M. = (29.85/71

4P. M.|29.34/68

Burlington, .... 4 j12 M. |29.86/65.4
: |} 4 P. M./29.85|63.8

The heights of the places mentioned in the table, as deduced
from these observations, are as follows:

Height of Whiteface above the level of the sea,........ 4,855*

‘© of Lake Placid, oy re a 0iese' as we
«© af Whiteface above Lake Placid,.... see sees. 2,937
es < ts Lake Champlain, ....csseo. 4,762
‘¢ of Lake Placid above the Elba Iron Works,..... 17
“of Whiteface above Albany, ...6\s..0 00 sesece) @,00e

From data not given in the above table, we have found the Elba
Iron works are 233 feet above those at Newcomb. The former
place is on the Au Sable, the latter on the north branch of the
Hudson, about five miles from its source. The fall of the north
branch of the Hudson from the Notch to the Newcomb Iron
Works, is 1,180 feet. The fall of the Hudson from this place to

* Deduced from its mean height, as obtained by observations made at Burlington and
at Albany.

wey -

No. 161.] 103.

tide water is not far from 2,109; making the whole fall of the
north branch of the Hudson, from its source in the Notch to tide
water, 3,239 feet.

These results are given rather as approximations, and are not as
exact as those which may be obtained by levelling. They show
conclusively, however, that the mountainous region of the north
is quite elevated, far more so than has been stated in any publica-
tion of the day. According to our observation, Whiteface is 1,051
feet higher than Round Top of the Catskill; but as there are se-
veral mountains higher than Whiteface which have never been vi-
sited or measured, it is highly probable that some of them will ap-
proximate in height to the White Hills of New-Hampshire.

Another fact, which goes to show the great height of these
mountains, is their Alpine vegetation. The trees are dwarfish, or
but few feet high, with stiff rigid branches, on which a person
might walk. Among the plants of Whiteface, we observed the
Salix herbacea, Empetrum nigrum, Arenaria glabra, Lycopodium
selago. The lateness of the season, however, prevented our
search for plants, though we were satisfied that its Flora is much
the same as that of the White Hills. There is still another fact,
which has the same bearing as the one stated above, viz: that this
region is not free from snow three months in the year, and twice
in the month of August last, the highest summits were covered
with snow. ‘This is spoken of as rather unusual. It is not, how-
ever, the absolute height of a mountain which gives it all its in-
terest. There are often additional circumstances worthy of atten-
tion, such as deep gorges and high precipices; and this leads us to
speak of a precipice five miles from the Iron Works at Newcomb.
It is just at the source of the north branch of the Hudson and Au
Sable rivers. The precipice which we measured, and over which
we looked, is from one station 1,200 feet high. Taking its height
from another station it is 1,000, This precipice extends about a
mile, though it does not preserve this great elevation the whole
distance.

This is probably the greatest natural curiosity in the State ex-
cept the falls of Niagara; it is well worthy a visit by the lovers
of magnificent scenery. Even the fragments of rock lying in the
notch are wonderful for size; one, which we measured, is 43 feet
long and 41 wide, and about 35 high; it is of a quadrangular form
and will weigh about 10,026,931 pounds or 5,000 tons, and this is

104 [ AssEMBLY¥

only one among hundreds of the same size. It is from facts like
‘these, that we learn what mighty forces have operated in former
times. ie

Connected with the subject of which we have been speaking, is
a question of some interest, not only to individuals but the public
at large. It is whether the waters of the upper Hudson can be
made navigable, by creating slack water by a series of dams; and
if so, at an expense proportionate to such an’ amount of capital as
shall produce per centage to stockholders.

The importance of this question is created in part by the immense,
er rather inexhaustible quantity of iron ore in the town of Newcomb.
This ore lies about 5 miles from the Notch* on the north branch of
the Hudson; it is at present owned by the Messrs. McIntyres, Mc-
Martin & Henderson. The river at this place has already become a
powerful stream, and it may be enlarged one half at least by turn-
ing the east branch into its channel. Here is water, wood, and
ore sufficient to employ profitably a capital of two millions. Eve-
ry establishment with half a million of capital, has from 4 to 600
dependants; so that if there were four companies with an invest-
ment of halfa million each, no less than 2,000 persons could be
directly or indirectly supported by them. The numerous lakes in
this vicinity, and among them we might perhaps include Long
lake, may probably be made useful in conveying wood, coal, ore
and manufactured articles, &c. to and from this place. The natu-
ral channels leading out of this wilderness are by the Hudson to-
wards the south, and Long lake, and Racket,river towards the
northwest. It will, however, be seen by reference to the height
of this place, that the practicability, or we should say expediency,
may fairly be questioned; still it will be good policy to examine
the country farther, as something more favorable to the question
may be discovered; even something ought to be hazarded when
objects of so much importance are concerned.

We have spoken rather favorably of this region of country, but
those who have observed the influence of elevation and latitude
on climate, will not be likely to overrate the value of it, as it cer-
tainly can have no particular claim to fertility or evenness of sur-
face, yet it is heavily timbered, and wherever it is cleared, pro-
duces the most luxuriant -herd’s grass and the finest of the rooted
vegetables. q

“ See note at end of report,

No. 161.) 108

As the value of this region depends on its ores, it ought to be set
apart especially for their reduction; and as the great obstacle in
the way of permanent establishments for working the ores of iron,
is the want of fuel sooner or later, it is a measure of policy as well
as wisdom, to proceed in cutting the timber with a rigorous sys-
tem. To secure a sufficiency of wood for the future, only a given
area should be devoted to the axe yearly, and on this enough of
_ the small trees should be left standing to support the soil and pre-
vent its washing; steep declivities will require moré support in
this way than those less inclined. When steep escarpments have
once been stripped of their verdure, it requires a great length of
time to reclothe them. To be convinced of this, we may observe
the slow progress which nature makes in effecting this work; first,
she forms a covering of moss and lichens; then a larger growth of
the same; these decaying, form a little spare soil in the cracks and
crevices of rocks; in these, larger species of plants fix themselves,
which in their turn also die and are decomposed; still larger kinds
may now find a footing, when, after many years, a sufficient thick-
ness of soil is formed to support the woody stems. A century may
elapse before all these preparations can be completed. There isa
remarkable fact to be taken into consideration, when it is intended
to clear the land of its forests; it is this—the second growth of
timber will differ in kind from the first; thus the hard woods are
succeeded usually, by the soft, as hemlock, spruce and pine, or by
alder, willows and white birch. ‘There may be no objection to this
course of nature, in some instances; for example, it is said, that
coal made from the soft woods is best for the reduction of the pro-
toxides of iron, as the harder coals create too much heat for this
species of ore. As this is the species of ore common in the nor-
thern counties, permanent establishments would be in no danger of
suffering inconvenience by a change in the kinds of vegetation.

We might here make some remarks on the management of iron
works in general, but as the subject is taken up by my assistant, Mr.
Hall, I shall pass it over with the single remark, that too little
science is possessed by those who have the superintendence of
them. Difficulties are encountered very frequently in working ore
of different parcels, from the same bed, and they are difficulties
which science combined with practical knowledge can only over-
come.

fAssem. No. 161.] 14

106 | [ ASSEMBLY

We have dwelt long on this subject because it is important; we
hope, therefore, our remarks will not be considered out of place or
inapplicable to the objects of this report, or uninteresting to the
community in general. We shall now proceed to the second head -
and speak of the rocks and the geological structure of the district.
In the first place, we shall give a brief account of the order of suc-
cession which the rocks observe on three transverse sections; these
sections are supposed to pass over all the formations of the district.
The southern section commences near the foot of Lake George,
and passes through Warren, Hamilton, Herkimer, Lewis and Jef-
ferson counties, and terminates at Sackett’s Harbor. The middle
commences at Cedar Point, and passes through Essex, Franklin, St.
Lawrence and apart of Jefferson, and terminates at Alexandria
Bay. The north begins at or near Champlain and proceeds south-
westerly through Clinton, Franklin and St. Lawrence, to Ogdens-
burgh.

In the first or southern section, the rocks succeed each other
in the following order:—On Lake George there is a narrow belt
of transition limestone, more or less sandy in composition. The
quartzose variety is perfectly developed at Whitehall. This rock
extends only to the foot of the high lands, where it is immediately
succeeded by primitive strata. The primitive formation continues
without interruption until we fall upon the branches of the Blaek
river, between Lowville and Denmark in the county of Lewis;
here the surface rock is again transition limestone, which continues
to Sackett’s Harbor. The middle section commences on the same
limestone at Cedar Point on Lake Champlain.

Primitive rocks immediately succeed as in the first section. Pro-
ceeding west towards Moriah, we found the primitive formation in
some instances, a compound of augite and hornblende, but gene-
rally it was a variety of compact grey augite. Still further west,
in the vicinity of Newcomb and the upper branches of the Hud-
son, it becomes a sienite, in which the proportion of feldspar is
very large, and frequently the whole rock is of the latter substance.
To this, succeeds gneiss, primitive limestone and hornblende, in al-
ternating layers, until we arrive at Theresa, on the Indian river.

The surface rock here is, the quartzose variety of the transition
limestone; it is thin and much broken by the rock beneath. The
sandstone, as this variety is usually called, continues till within 3
miles of Alexandria bay; granite then succeeds, and continues to

No. 161.] : 107

the river. The dip of the stratified rocks on Lake Champlain is
from 50° to 75° to the east.* The same dip continues to the high-
lands of the upper Hudson, which, when passed, it becomes west
with about the same inclination as those on the east. The anti-
clinal ridge is therefore in the neighborhood of the sources of this
river. The dip of the primitive strata on lakes George and Cham-
plain, corresponds to that of the Green Mountain range, and the
strike or direction of the strata is also the same, viz: N. E. and
S. W. It would appear from this, that the Green Mountain range
may be subordinate to the mountains of Essex. It belongs to the

- same system, is inferior in height, and the strata lean in this direc-
tion, showing that the anticlinal ridge is to the westward. This
we advance as conjecture only; more facts require to be collect-
ed before the point can be established. .

On the 3d and last section there are no primitive rocks in place.
The surface rock at the lake is transition limestone, to which suc-
ceeds the sandy variety, or the calciferous sand rock of Eaton.
This continues nearly to Ogdensburgh, or within 5 or 6 miles of
that place, when the transition limestone again appears, and con-
tinues, without interruption, to the river.

This section passes not far north of the primitive ridge near Pa-
rishville, where it just comes to the surface, but has lost its great
elevation, having sunk beneath the transition deposites. On this
section we have placed a marine formation belonging to the Plio-
cene period of Lyell, or to the newer tertiary of other authors.
This marine formation may be examined near Champlain, and at
Constable, 8 or 9 miles north of Malone; it is 150 feet above the
lake, it contains shells which are enveloped in sand and marly clay.
This clay probably alternates with sand, in a manner similar to
other tertiary formations; it is not extensive in our district, but
apparently comes up from Lower Canada, and spreads out exten-
sively in that country, and is probably the newest or latest marine
deposite of the great basin of the St. Lawrence.

In passing from Champlain to St. Regis, on or near the line,t it
appears at several places: its extent isnot as yet known. Should

it be found to spread over the northern counties, at no great depth,
it will be an important deposite, and may be profitably used as a
a a a a a aa a a ea

* The dip of the sandstone and limestone on the lake, varies from 10° to 15° easterly,

except at their meeting with the primitive rocks.
¢ The line between New-York and Canada is here understood.

108 _ fAssemeLy

manure. In this light we regard this formation now, and recom-
mend to those whose location is favorable, to make a trial of the
marly deposite on theirlands. Information on the use of the marly
clays may be obtained from Rogers’ report on the geology of New-
Jersey, and from one of the late numbers of the Journal of Sci-
ence.

In concluding our brief remarks on the geological sections, we —
observe, that they serve only a general purpose; thus they may
be said to furnish the key to the geology of the district, as by them
we may learn the general formations, and their comparative ex-
tent. But what may be called the subordinate formations, such as
deposites of the different ores, as lead, copper, iron, zinc and the
valuable combustibles, as peat and coal, require an examination of
the square miles. ‘They serve to make it possible, or rather they
furnish evidence to the mind of the geologist, whether those valu-
able substances are compatible with the general formations, and
whether it is expedient to search for them or not. For nature has
established unexceptionable laws in the deposites of minerals, and
guided by them, we expect to find her rich stores only in certain
formations.

This is so substantiated by modern discoveries, that it will suf-
fice barely to mention the following well known facts. All the ~
coal formations are above the primary rocks; the different kinds of
coal belong to distinct geological positions in the strata. Gold in
this country appears exclusively to have been deposited on the tal-
cose slate—the species of iron do not occupy the same rock. It
is not true, however, that golden sands are always in the debris of
talcose slate: or that coal is always to be found in the coal mea-
sures at any place, but, the kind of rock being known, and its place
determined in the series of formations, we are then prepared to
say whether it is expedient to search for coal, iron, or any of the
valuable metals.

These remarks are made in consequence of repeated inquiries -
made of us during the last season, and in fact almost every day, in
relation to these points; and we have often been assured, that coal
had been found in districts entirely primitive in their character,
and so of many other things which would have been equally out
of place, had their assertions been true. It is no unfrequent occur-
rence in this country, for men to spend small fortunes at least, in

No. 161.] 109

search of coal, gold or silver, when a very limited knowledge of
the subject would have saved the useless expense.

We shall now speak of the individual rocks of the 2d district,
confining ourselves to their general characters and the use to which
they may be applied. ,

Ist. Granite. For the present, we apply this name to the rocks
in the interior of Essex, as it is the one which appears at the high-
est elevation, and constitutes the great primitive nucleus, towards
which all the other primary rocks lean. This rock is not strickly
speaking granite ; that is, it is not composed of quartz, feldspar
and mica, neither is it a true sienite, for even the hornblende dis-
appears almost entirely for miles. It is mostly feldspar in every
locality where the formation is perfectly developed. This feldspa-
thic rock, to adopt a descriptive name, contains the beautiful La-
brador feldspar; it is often in large masses, and might be obtained,
probably, of sufficient size to form small ornamental tables. The
colour of the rock is usually grey, greenish or bluish, and in small
pieces frequently pale green and bluish green. It rarely contains
quartz. The coarse granites, like those of New-England, have no
where been met with. There is a fine reddish granite in the Kay-
aderosseras range, and also a coarse granite bordering the St. Law- |
rence, in the town of Alexandria, and also forming the Thousand
Islands. The latter often contains beds of feldspar nearly white,
and suitable for the manufacture of porcelain. The most valuable
bed is on an island in the St. Lawrence, opposite Alexandria. It
is called by way of distinction High Island, though it does not rise
more than fifty feet above the water. A specimen or two of this
feldspar may be seen in the collection.

The feldspathic rock of which we have spoken, has not been ex-
amined in place, except in Essex county; there it forms mountain
masses, and attains a great elevation, as will be seen by reference
to our accounts of the measurements given in the preceding pages.
These mountains slope rapidly to the north and soon disappear un-
der the transition rocks in Clinton county; they are not supposed
to rise again till they reach Labrador. In this country the rock
probably appears bearing the same minerals as in Essex county.

Travelling north from Caldwell to Moriah we meet many boul-
ders of this rock by the road sides, particularly in Warrensburgh,

110 | ASSEMBLY

and many of them contain the Labrador feldspar. We do not,
however, find the rock in place until we come into the north part
of Schroon. The peculiar characters of this rock enable us to dis-
tinguish its detached masses wherever they have been scattered.
We observed many of them in Amsterdam, Montgomery county.
Those we saw here contained more hornblende than usual. But
boulders of this feldspathic rock, and containing the Labrador feld-
spar, have been found in Orange county; also in St. Lawrence
county, near Ogdensburgh.

- It is not intended to enter on the theoretical views, which facts of
this kind and character are apt to elicit; but it is proper to say,
this much, that it is supposed a current once swept over this
country from north to south, and it is probable these boulders were
borne along and left by it in the places we now find them. Those
in St. Lawrence county, were by some means washed over the
ridge into the basin of the St. Lawrence, or they might have drift-
ed from Labrador on masses of ice ; the others were carried down
the basin of the Hudson; and it will probably be established, that
most of the boulders will be found in a south line from the county
of Essex. None have been discovered east of the Taghkanick
range, or west of Little-Falls.

There is a peculiarity in this central nucleus of Essex which we
feel bound to notice before we dismiss the subject. This whole ele-
vated region is traversed by dykes of greenstone; these may be tra-
ced uninterruptedly thirty or forty rods, and undoubtedly continue
much farther. The discovery of these dykes in granite or sienite,
though not entirely new, is one of interest in theoretical geology.
Their occurrence is rare at least in this country. We first ob-
served them in Elizabethtown, at Pleasant-Valley. Here they are
not so well characterized as in some other places; for they are
more like hornblende or pyroxene. -Their width is not usually
more than a foot, but in Keene they are from an inch to ten feet.

-

~ The locality of greenstone dykes in the latter place, is at Long-
Pond, a narrow sheet of water which lies in a cleft of two moun-
tains. ‘The sides of these mountains are-deeply furrowed by slides
which have occurred from time to time. The widest is on the south
side of the pond and about a hundred rods from its head. The pond,
which is about thirty-five rods wide, is divided in two parts at this
place by materials from the mountain. The strata laid bare by
this means, exhibit these dykes, of which there are four running

No. 161.] 111

parallel with each other. ‘The width of the slide is about 40 rods;
its extent up the mountain is not far from half a mile, and is yearly
increasing by the falling of unsupported matter. Down these clefts
a small stream dashes with some violence, and it may possibly be
the case, that slides generally occur in those places where there are
springs, which had not found an outlet previous to the sliding down
of the earthandstone. On the face of these cliffs there project both
a bed of the protoxide of iron and limestone, running parallel to each
other, as far as the iron continues in view. We call them beds,
but they appear like veins which have been forced up from be-
neath. The limestone is the coarse crystalline variety, and gene-
rally white. For some distance by the side of the limestone there
is a small trap dyke, and there the limestone is frequently green.
When the surface has been exposed to the air for some time, this
green changes to a beautiful blue, a circumstance not easily ac-
counted for. The iron and limestone, as well as the main rock, is
cut through by these dykes. In the limestone near the dykes there
is a very splendent variety of green coccolite, together with im-
perfect crystals of diopside. It contains also phosphate of lime,
garnet, idocrase, and another mineral which we suppose to be a
a nondescript.

The existence of the dykes throws some light on the origin of
primitive rocks in general. On this subject we venture to make
the following remarks. ‘The principal rock at this place is granite,
or perhaps some would prefer to call it sienite, as it consists of feld-
spar and hornblende; though the latter is in a small proportion only.
It will be admitted at once, that these dykes are more recent than
the rocks they traverse. Now when we attempt to. account for
their formation, and settle the questions how they came here, and
what was their source, we readily perceive that it is more rational |
and more agreeable to established facts, to conclude that they must
have been injected into cracks or fissures in the rocks while in a
_ melted state, than to suppose them to have been formed by the fil-
tration of matter from above while in solution in water; besides,
they exhibit marks of fusion themselves, and have also left the
same on the rocks in which they are in contact. If it is once ad-
mitted that these dykes have ever been ina state of igneous fusion,
then there must have'been a source of heat just beneath, sufficient
to effect this fusion, for these dykes came from beneath the gra-
nite. This admitted, and it is but a step farther to admit that the
main rock containing the dykes was once in a state of igneous fu-

112 [ ASSEMBLY

~
sion also. Now the real chemical difference between the granite
and the dykesis small. Their elements are the same, and to bring
about a perfect similarity in structure and homogeniety, we have
only to vary the accidental circumstances which attended their
formation. The granite is more perfectly crystallized, and the
feldspar predominates. In the dykes the structure exhibits but a
trace of crystallization, if any. Now both of these differences are
to us accidental; the same rock exhibits a difference in structure
and a difference in the proportions of the materials composing it.
If we suppose, for a moment, the main rock, that is the granite, to
_ have been in a state of igneous fusion, it is plain that so large a
mass of melted matter must be long in cooling. A more’perfect
crystalline structure would result, and the elements entering into
the composition of hornblende and feldspar would be more per-

fectly separated by chemical attraction.

Again, if it is admitted that the dykes have been fused, we rea-
dily see that they should not exhibit a crystalline structure, for the
quantity of matter in it is comparatively small; it would therefore
cool rapidly, and but little time would be given for the elements to
combine regularly, and the matter would be blended more like fur-
nace slags. Again, it is not improbable that the materials compos-
ing the dykes were, previous to their injection, a portion of, or in
contact with, the inferior surface of the granite itseif.. Or we may
consider the great mass of the granite above as connected to the
matter of the dykes beneath, and during the cooling of the surface,
which of course would contract, the fluid mass was pressed up-
wards. It is difficult to conceive of the formation of dykes by
what is called their cutting agency ; conforming the term to a com-
mon mode of speaking; thus, it is said that they “‘cut through a
certain rock.” It is more probable that rents existed previously,
in the rock, and the molten matter was forced into them. The
subject is however obscure, and it is easier in many cases to ima-
gine possibilities, than give a correct rationale.

It will be perceived that we have not stated the whole argument
in favor of the Huttonian theory of the origin of granite, but only
that part of it which is rendered plausible by the phenomena we
observed at Long-Pond.

Those who are familiar with geological phenomena will infer,
from what has been said, that this district exhibits marks of an-

cient volcanic action; not that there are volcanic craters, but the
phenomena of dykes and the character of the mineral matter, both
as it exists in the rocks and imbedded minerals, belong to those of
a voleanic district. Another phenomenon, which, if established,
goes still farther to support this view, is, that earthquakes are yet
of frequent occurrence in this neighborhood. This is the prevail-
ing opinion among a class of inhabitants who have resided here
for many years. We do not wish to commit ourselves on this
point until farther inquiries are made, for there is a great liability
to deception in this region, from concussions of the earth by falling
rocks and slides—still there is ground to believe in the. prevalent
opinion, that earthquakes do yet occur in this region.

‘The other primitive rocks of the northern counties are gneiss,
hornblende and granular limestone. The talcose and mica slates
rarely occur, and when they do, are quite limited in extent.—
The absence of these slates, and the great preponderance of horn-
blende and granular limestone, give to this region some peculiar
characters. ‘There are none of:the coarser granite in veins and
beds, as in the primitive parts of New-England. There is a dif-
ference also in the simple minerals, so that a slight examination
suffices to enable us to point out their localities.

As it is not so much our intention or business now to give a
mineralogical description of these rocks, as to relate their mode
of occurrence and their geographical extent, we shall proceed at
once to speak of their respective relations.

We take gneiss, hornblende and granular limestone together,
and say of them generally, that we found them to form alter-
nating strata, with a dip to the west and southwest, but in the
more northern parts the dip changes towards the northwest. The
value of the dip, in degrees, varies from 40° to 80°. The mean
line of bearing of these rocks is northeast and southwest. Com-
mencing an exploration of these strata at the eastern edge of the
sandstone in Theresa, near the falls, and proceeding east, we
should pass over the out-cropping edges of these rocks, until we
come into the neighborhood of Keene, near Whiteface, in Essex
county. We have then obtained the anticlinal ridge. The valleys,
as well as the ridges, through the whole réute from Theresa to
the anticlinal ridge, are primitive, and their dip is westerly. It is
however worthy of remark, that on this sectional line gneiss often
loses its essential character, and becomes strictly granite; that is,

| Assem. No. 161.] 15

Wt « [ASSEMBLY

the gneiss loses its seams of stratification. The other rocks also fre-
quently change their mineralogical character, by taking into their
composition the minerals of an adjacent rock. The most impor-
tant of these rocks is the primitive limestone; this occurs in most
of the towns we visited in the primitive district. But its frequent
occurrence is just becoming known. We had occasion to point it
out frequently, to individuals, who, till then, were ignorant of its
existence in their neighborhood. In many places it contains foreign
matter, as scapolite, augite, feldspar, tremolite, &c., which is in-
jurious to it for burning into lime, or quarrying it into chimney
pieces, monuments, &c.

Another fault with the primitive limestone is, that it is too coarse
and friable for a building stone in very many of the localities we
examined, though this is not particularly injurious when it is to be
used for making lime. The friable nature of this limestone, and
the certain rapid disintegration of large masses of it, whenever it
is exposed to the weather, has suggested to our minds the proba-
bility that this stratum was formerly much more extensive than it
is at present. Hillocks of some size, and strata many rods in ex-
tent, are often so friable, that masses may be easily broken to
pieces in the hands. Masses, when they are formed of such ten-
der materials, are rapidly worn down and washed into the valleys,
in the form of sand, and are ultimately spread over the soil, or
carried by small streams into the rivers, and finally find their way
into the ocean, there to form a new stratum of limestone on its
bottom, or, during its suspension and solution, to furnish matter _
for the shells of molluscous animals.

Admitting the abundance of lime in the earlier times, we are
able to account for its great preponderance in the later forma-
tions. Some authors, when speaking of this fact, have proposed
the question, whether the molluscous animals had not the power
of secreting lime, as their shells are composed mostly of a carbo-
nate, and finding their remains extremely abundant in all the lime-
stone deposites, as well as in many others, they seem to have
great difficulties in accounting for the original source of the lime
of their habitations.

Limestone, when compared with gneiss, hornblende and granite,
is comparatively soft, and when exposed with them to the same
wearing and disintegrating agents, must be abraded and worn
down at least twice as fast. Where do we find the boulders of

No. 151.] 115

these tough and hard rocks? Let the geologist go through this
State in a north and south direction, on the line of the Hudson,
and he will find them scattered from the northern highlands to the
southern, and even to Long-Island. But limestone boulders could
not withstand such violent diluvial action as must have existed to
wash or carry along the granite rocks; they would be ground to
powder against the hard masses which they would inevitably meet
-in those mighty currents. Now the disintegrating process which
is continually going on with the limestone, has been going on from
_time immemorial; and not only so, but we have every reason to
suppose that it was much more rapid in former times; and if so,
then it must be, that the exposed surfaces were more extensive,
and would of course furnish a greater quantity of calcareous mat-
ter. All this would find its way to the ancient sea, and whether
in solution or suspension merely, wouid furnish materials, not only
for the coverings of animals, but also for the transition rocks. In
this district, there is a silicious sedimentary rock underlying the
transition limestone, usually known as sandstone, and this silicious
matter is often mixed extensively with the limestone. The alter-
nation of the gneiss and hornblende with the limestone, explains in
part this peculiar character of these transition rocks, if we sup-
pose their materials ever derived from the primitive formations of
this region. We have, by this arrangement, silicious and calca-
reous particles, abraded at the same time, and both kinds would
be carried to the ocean, but as silex is mostly insoluble, it would
fall down in the form of a precipitate, while some considerable
portion of the lime would be retained in solution. Whether the de-
posite at the bottom of the ocean would be wholly silicious, or whol-
ly calcareous, or a mixture of both, we can readily conceive would
depend on circumstances, as whether the neighboring rocks which

furnished materials were themselves silicious or calcareous, or of
both kinds.

We shall state here an inference which we have drawn from the
repeated alternations of the primary rocks, as they occur not only
in this district, but in all the primitive sections of our country. It is
this, that we cannot establish any thing in relation to the age of the
inferior stratified rocks. It was taught by Werner, and by his pu-
pils after him, that granite, gneiss, mica slate, hornblende, granular
limestone, &c. were deposited from an aqueous solution, in a cer-
tain order—-granite beneath, then gneiss, mica slate, &c. in the
succession in which they are named ; and this succession was in

116 [ASSEMBLY

accordancc to their relative ages. But when there are such re-
peated alternations of mineral deposites as in the district we are
speaking of, we cannot say that hornblende is older than limestone,
or that gneiss is not newer than either.

The most rational view we can form of this question is, that the
whole primordeal crust of the earth is absolutely of the same age.
That some portion of its surface, called primitive, has been alter-
ed and modified since its solidification into a crust, there can be
no doubt. ‘The phenomena which many rocks exhibit, very clear-
ly show, that after they became solid their structure may have
been changed. In this sense, therefore, granite may be older than
gneiss—or it may be newer than granular limestone. If the order

is, as it has been taught, and as it is received at the present day,

why is granite so often blended with gneiss that it is impossible to
draw the line of separation between them, or to decide where the
granite ends and gneiss begins? Why do we so often use the terms
gnesioid granite, gnesioid hornblende—and why do we find so much

perplexity in the granites, sienites and porphyries? One reason -

probably is, because we have been trammelled with the dogmas of
the schools. Another is, our inquiries have been made in the clo-
set, or else our researches have becn confined to small territories.

Before closing our remarks on the inferior stratified rocks, we
would suggest the expediency of using the coarse disintegrating
limestone as a manure. ‘This variety of it is as easily ground as
plaster, and might be used in the same manner. We have evi-
dence of its utility when thus employed. Mr. Griffin, of Chester,
Warren county, a year or two since, used it on his land with as
much effect, he thought, as genuine gypsum; indeed, he supposed
it was gypsum. But there is evidence of its fertilizing properties
from other sources. Mr. Moore, of Genesee, has communicated in
the Journal of Science, an account of his experiments with it, and
from them it appears equal in fertilizing powers to the best plas-
ter, especially when spread on fields of clover, wheat, and other
spring crops. ‘These favorable results were also obtained by ma-
ny of the farmers in the neighborhood. The variety used by Mr.
Moore, however, contained petrifactions. This fact leads to the
inquiry, whether its fertilizing property was not owing to the ani-

mal matter in the shells and limesione in which they were embed-

ded. In the case of Mr. Griffin, we found the limestone, though

No. 161.] 117

really the primitive, and embraced in primitive rocks, extremely
fetid, and filled with decomposing pyrites. .

The sali formed by pyrites after decomposition, we have con-
jectured was also beneficial to plants. ‘This idea occurred to us a
number of years since, when on a visit to the New-Jersey mar pits.
There the marl abounds in pyrites, which slowly decomposes and
forms a sulphate of iron, which we conceive may and does act on
the vegetable, in a way to promote its growth. Leaving this sa-
line matter out of the question, we think there can be but little
doubt that all the limestones which can be reduced to powder with-
out too much expense, may be profitably employed as a manure.
If we were called upon to judge, a priori, of the probable effect of
the carbonate and sulphate of lime, we should say, there was more
probability of the former doing good than the latter, as it is much
more soluble. This subject is one of importance to the farming
interest, as limestone may be obtained where plaster cannot, with-

out incurring too much expense in transportation.
we

The rock which next succeeds the primitive, belongs to the tran-
sition class. It is called provincially sandstone, but is probably
the calciferous sandrock of Eaton. It is always stratified, but has
no regular dip. It consists entirely of silex when it is perfectly
developed, and at a distance from the transition limestone under
which it passes or becomes blended. In many places it is red, es-
pecially when it comes near the granite; but not always, even
when in-contact with it. It is sometimes a light gray, or nearly
pure white. At Hammond Landing it is about 150 feet thick. At
Rossie, 8 miles distant, it is much broken up, and is scarcely, and not
more than 10 feet. The inferior layers are slightly conglomera-
ted, and it is rather common to find some portions of those layers
containing angular fragments.

This rock is important for three purposes:—Ist, as a building
stone; 2d, it is a good material for the hearths of furnaces; and
3d, when pure and white it makes an excellent sand for the manu-
facture of glass.

Its value as a building stone depends on its regular and beautiful”
stratification, and the ease with which it may be quarried and bro-
ken into quadrangular forms of a convenient size. It answers the
second purpose well, from its infusible nature, and its little liabili-
ty to crack or exfoliate, when exposed to a high heat. In employ-

118 [ ASSEMBLY

ing this rock in the manufacture of glass, it is frst burned, then
pulverized and washed. By long burning, or exposure to intense
heat, it will become perfectly white, and free from any coloring
matter.

This rock frequently imparts to the country where it occurs, a
curious aspect. Walls like regular mason-work may be seen run-
ning with great regularity 4 or 4 amile. Sometimes two walls of
this kind remain, and run nearly parallel with each other. In this
case, it appears that the intermediate portion has been entirely
swept away. ‘The upper surface of this rock is always smooth
and polished, and sometimes grooved by what are termed diluvial
scratches. ‘Their direction at Hammond is nearly north and south.
That this smoothness is owing to a wearing action of something
which has slid over it, appears from the fact, that on clearing up
a new layer the under surface is rough and harsh. Its organic re-
lics have not yet been investigated. There are, in fact, very few
in the rock. Potsdam, Hammond, and Theresa, are places where
this rock may be examined, and where all the phenomena it pre-
sents are exhibited. At Potsdam it might be mistaken for the old
red sandstone.

The soil reposing on this rock is not wanting in fertility. It is
interesting to observe its productive qualities, when it is hardly
more than a foot in thickness—even so thin that it would be per-
fectly easy to turn a furrow in ploughing entirely from the rock.
Those places where the soil is so extremely thin do not appear to
suffer from drought. Vegetation is as fresh on them as where the
soil is thicker. The cause of this is obvious. The rock is a good
conductor of caloric, like all the siliceous stones; it therefore con-
denses the water of the atmosphere, and preserves a degree of
moisture; besides, the country is level, and the rains do not pass
off very rapidly.

As it is not our intention to describe this rock in full, or draw
an exact outline of its extent, it will be sufficient for our present
purpose to say, that its eastern margin is about 30 miles from the
,St. Lawrence, and that the line of this margin runs nearly paral-
lel to it. Opposite the Thousand islands, it does not extend more
than 20 miles east of the river. A traveller starting from Theresa
Falls, for Hopkinton, might pass nearly along this margin. At
the latter place it bears to the east, and takes a sweep round to the

No. 161.} | 119

Saranac river and Lake Champlain, the whole length of which it
skirts, with perhaps a few places where the primitive rocks ex-
tend into it. The western edge or margin of this sandstone, is
about 12 miles west of Lake Champlain, towards Redford, on the
Saranac. If a line is now drawn from Redford to Malone, it will
pass nearly along its northeastern margin. If another line is now
drawn to Hopkinton, it will mark its limits in that direction.—
Malone is, therefore, the point farthest north at which the primi-
tive rocks occur in this district. ‘This rock dips, in the south part
of Champlain to the northeast. In other places it is horizontal, and
in others again is raised by the primitive rocks, on which it always
rests, so as to give a very large angle. It is also occasionally
much contorted, and of a red colour when near the primitive beds.
This rock, so far as yet appears, is destitute of metalliferous beds.
It contains occasionally a few simple minerals, but they are most-
ly those confined to the calciferous variety..

Superimposed upon the rock last described, is the transition
limestone, or as it is sometimes called, blue limestone. Its colors
vary from light gray to a dark blue. Its structure is generally
compact, and breaks with a slightly uneven surface. Its upper lay-
ersare usually much weathered and broken, so that frequently, to the
depth of 10 feet or more, they present a stratification composed of
rounded blocks, more or less detached or separated from each
other. They are also deeply fissured or cracked, and in many
places streams, in passing over these beds, penetrate these open
places and are lost; and after pursuing an underground course, fora
time, emerge again to the open day. ‘The streams during their
confinement below, often wear deep and wide caverns; hence this
limestone is sometimes called cavernous limestone. Something of
the extent of this limestone in the northern counties, may be
learned from the following account of it. It appears along the
margins of Lakes George and Champlain. In the vicinity of Platts-
burgh it is 5 or 6 miles wide and dips about 10° to the east. In
Chazy it is 9 miles wide; three or four miles farther north, it is
only 4 miles’ ,with an easterly dip, varying from 10° to 15°. At
Champlain again it is about 3 miles. In going from Champlain to
St. Regis, a distance of 65 miles, we passed over 3 miles of lime-
stone; then for 45 miles, to Westville, sandstone; then from West-
ville to St. Regis, 16 miles, limestone, with a dip of 5° to the N.
E. and sometimes to the N. W. On the St. Lawrence it is 4 or 5
miles wide up to the vicinity of Ogdensburgh; then to the Thou-

120 [ ASSEMBLY

sand islands it becomes narrow, and finally disappears and gives
place to the primitive rocks. The soil from Champlain to Mooers
is tolerably good; from Moores to Chateaugay it is thin and cold,
and not productive, except for grass, oats and similar crops.—
From Chateaugay, the land improves in quality to the St. Law-
rence. Generally the soil of the transition limestone is good, and
equals any in fertility, either for the production of grass or grains.
it abounds in some places with valuable ores, but in this district it
is not known to be metalliferous. As this rock is beneath the great
coal deposites, there is little or no prospect of ever obtaining from
it this valuable substance. It is however an important rock; it
frequently furnishes the best of lime by burning,—may be employ-
ed as a building stone—and its deeper strata are sufficiently com-
pact and sound to admit of sawing and polishing.

Tertiary.—We have already spoken of a deposite belonging to
the tertiary. It appears at different intervals along the road from
Champlain to St. Regis. At the former place, on a hill N. E. of
the village and 150 feet above the lake, its beds may be examined
to advantage. ‘They consist of grey sand anda marly clay of un-
known thickness; the beds of sand, which are uppermost, contain
two species of shells, the sanguinolaria, very nearly allied to the
recent one, and a saxicava. In Constable and Westville; similar
shells are found, and also another species of sanguinolaria. This
shell prevails here, while at Champlain the saxicava is the most
common. ‘This formation is 10 or 12 feet below the surface and
50 or 60 above the St. Lawrence. It is not, of course, an exten-
sive formation in the north district; it probably comes up from
Lower Canada, over which country it may be found spreading out
to a considerable extent. Ina geological point of view, this is the
most interesting of the formations in the northern counties, and
we hope hereafter to give a more detailed account of its position,
extent, depth, &c.

He
In concluding our remarks on the more general formations, we

give the following summary account of their extent and relations:

t. The primitive extend north to Malone, where they come up
in the form of the letter V, with its apex to the north. On either
side repose the transition rocks. A line drawn from Malone
through Parishville, Canton, Rossie to Alexandria bay, would pass
along the line of junction of the sandstone and primitive rocks.
Again, a line drawn from Malone through the upper branches of

©

‘te

No. 161.] 121

the Saranac, Clintonville, to Willsborough or Essex, would pass
along the junction of the same rocks on the east; the whole interior,
therefore, of the northern counties, from Essex on Champlain to
Alexandria bay on the St. Lawrence, is primitive. Up all the large
rivers, however, in this territory, the transition may pass beyond
the boundaries we have marked for it. At the south again, at
Little-Falls the primitive comes to a point, as it were, somewhat
like its termination at Malone. We suppose, for we have not ex-
amined very accurately the southern boundaries, that a line drawn
from Little-Falls to Caldwell, would mark the south eastern limit
of the primitive. From Little-Falls to Alexandria bay the same
line would mark the southwestern borders of the primitive rocks.
We shall perceive, from the boundaries we have given to the pri-
mitive rocks, that the shape of the country in which they appear
as the surface rock, is like a lozenge, some irregularities being left
out of view. We therefore give the above as a correct outline of
the extent of the formations in the 2d geological district. Correct
in general, but in some particulars of minor importance, there may
be some points where it is not literally true. Corrections of those
points must be left to the future, when our investigations will be
confined to territories of less extent.

As yet we have said nothing of the alluvial and diluvial depo-
sites; not because those formations do not exist in this district, but
because our information is not sufficient to enable us to speak con-
fidently of their extent; and besides, they will come up more pro-
perly when we make our report on the geology of the counties.
There are, however, two districts of some extent which are un-
derlaid with one or both of these kinds of deposition. One of them
is in the vicinity of Glen’s Falls, the other in and about Clintonville
and Keeseville. The former extends from Glen’s Falls several
miles on the way to Caldwell, at the head of Lake George; it
spreads out to a great extent south into the county of Saratoga.
It is mostly a siliceous sand, underlaid by a stratum of clay. The
sand and the clay at the falls, are each from 10 to 15 feet thick.
Reposing on the blue limestone, their dip Sermenponts to the rock
beneath, which is 5° or 6° to the 8. E.

The most interesting question concerning these sandy deposites
is, in relation to their origin. As they contain no marine or fresh
water relics, it is not probable that they were deposited on the bot-
tom of a lake or the sea, hence the inference is, that they were

fAssem. No. 161.] 16 .

122 [AssEmBLY

washed down from the northern mountains. Their mineralogical
character favors this opinion. It is just such a sand as we now
find at the bases of these mountains, and which we find forming at
the present time, both on their sides and summits. They contain
abundance of iron sand, which may be shown any where by plung-
ing into them a magnet. This iron sand is undoubtedly formed
from beds of magnetic iron, which are so abundant at the north.
As the whole process for forming these sands is now going on, the
inference is a fair one, that the formation is quite recent. Whe-
ther these sands were brought down suddenly from the north by
a powerful current, and spread by it over the southern plains, or
whether they have been washed down by the slow operation of
causes now at work, are questions difficult to decide. —

But there are reasons for entertaining the latter of these opi-
nions, and that these deposites have been made since those boulders —
were brought down, which we have spoken of in another place.
This will appear more plausible, when we ‘Consider that the other
formation of the same character occurs near Clintonville and Keese-
ville on the northeastern slope of the same mountains. These
beds are thicker than those at Glen’s Falls; they extend 10-or 12
‘miles north of those places, forming sand plains somewhat similar
to those west of Albany. The exact extent of these beds, N. and
W., we had not time and opportunity for ascertaining. As the -
character of these northern beds of clay and sand are similar to those
near Glen’s Falls, it is highly probable they had their sources in
the same mountains, and have been produced by the operation of
similar causes.

There are two other subjects of some interest remotely connect-
ed with our present inquiries, which we shall speak of, briefly, be-
fore we take up our account of the valuable metals.

1.. Springs of Chateaugay. These springs are half a mile east of
the Chateaugay Corners; they rise from a white sand, and from
them sufficient water flows to turn a mill wheel. The remarkable
character of these springs is, that they intermit in their flow. In
April they begin to flow, and continue till about the last of Sep- -
tember, from which time they remain entirely dry till April, and
this round is continued with perfect regularity from year to year.
Bubbles of nitrogen gas rise from the bottom of these springs in a
manner similar to the warm springs of Hoosic and Williamstown.

No. 161.] 128

The waters of the Chateaugay springs are quite cold. Whether
we are in possession of such facts as will enable us to give a ra-
tionale of the intermission of these springs is questionable. The
following is however offered by Mr. Hall, that during the spring
the soil to the south becomes saturated with water, which conti-
nues to flow off through these springs during the summer, when,
at its close, the soil-becomes in a manner drained.

Falling of the St. Lawrence. It is said by the oldest inhabi-
tants along the St. Lawrence river, that its waters, and that of
its tributaries, are declining, or that they do not appear at so high
a level now as formerly; or, what is about the same thing, that
the country is rising. _The amount of evidence bearing on this
common opinion, is not probably very great; yet, some deference

must be paid to what is said by the oldest inhabitants in a country
which has been settled acentury. The possibility of such a change
can no longer be doubted, since it is clearly proved that portions
of the continent of Europe are now undergoing the same change.

Norway is gradually rising, and Greenland as gradually sinking.

We have only to state the fact, not to enter into a discussion of
the cause of this astonishing change, as it would be out of place,
and requiring the statement of principles foreign to our. purpose,
and at greater length than the limits of this report will permit.
Lest, however, the fact of a falling of the St. Lawrence being ad-
mitted, this change of its level should be attributed to a wrong
cause, viz: the wearing away of its bed by its waters, we assert
that this cannot be the case, when a river passes through a level
country. The whole tendency of a river under those circumstan-
ces, is to fill up its bed and raise its waters to higher level. All
rivers bear down more or less of detritus from the mountains in
which they rise; this is deposited along the lower levels and car-
ried to the sea, where it is found fine and light. The filling up of
the beds of rivers by this process, is shown on a grand scale in the
Po, whose bed is already raised to an elevation with the hou-

ses on its banks. If then there is a falling of the St. Lawrence,
the change must be in the country, and not in the wearing away
~ef its bottom. The only way of determining a question of so much
interest is, to observe for a number of-years some fixed land-marks.
We have, therefore, to wait the slow accumulation of evidence
before the opinion of its falling can be received or rejected.

“

124 3 [ ASSEMBLY

Having spoken of the general formation of this district, we pro-
ceed under our third head to speak of the more local deposites,
such as copper, lead and iron.

1. Copper. We shall not at present venture to say that the
northern counties will be productive in this metal, though some
facts favor the opinion that it will. An ore of copper has been
discovered at several places during the last season; it is the pyri-
tous copper, or the sulphuret of copper andiron. One locality of
this substance is on the Mascolunge lake, in the town of Alexan-
dria; and two others in Gouverneur, St. Lawrence county. It oc-
curs at several other places, which we were not permitted to ex-
amine.

The localities have not been explored to any great extent. On
the Mascolunge lake the quantity of pyrites at the surface was
very small. On breaking away the surface of the rock by blast-
ing, it increased rapidly. The exploration of the ores of copper
is nearly new in this country, hence it is impossible to entertain
very just notions of the value of these mines; but as copper is a
valuable metal, and its ores not very expensive to reduce, it is

matter of some moment to explore and work the mines already: .

known.

This variety of copper ore yields about 30 per cent of copper.
The composition of the Cornwall ore, yields, according to Phil-
lips, copper 30, iron 32, sulphur 35. Copper pyrites resembles so
much iron pyrites, which is of no value, that it may be easily mis-
taken for that substance. It may be distinguished by a peculiar
rich yellow colour, and its yielding to the knife. While iron py-
rites is sufficiently hard to give sparks with steel. It is common

also for the copper pyrites to be intermixed with the blue and green
carbonates.

Lead, Sulphuret of Lead. Much excitement has existed the
last two years, and in fact still exists, in relation to this substance.
The existence of lead in the northern counties has been known for
many years. The Indians have supplied their wants of this arti-
cle from some concealed places, ever since the country was set-
tled. But little attention was given to this fact, and few or no ef-
forts were made for its discovery, until a year since, when the
successful opening of the great mine at Rossie excited a general
feeling for discovery, and a willingness to hazard something in

No. 161.] 125

LAN

mining operations. Since the mine at Rossie was opened, numer-
ous other veins of lead have been discovered, but none of them
will compare for extent with the Rossie mine. This mine is a vein
traversing a rock much like gneiss in its general character, but
takes much hornblende into its composition, though it is not what
geologists call sienite. The width of this vein is about four feet.
Much of this space is occupied by the matrix of the ore. The ore
is regularly found in this space; sometimes it is only a string which
_ leads to an expansion of the vein to a foot or 18 inches in width.
~~ Sometimes the ore is in the midst of its matrix, and again it is near
the perpendicular walls. It appears to traverse it from side to side
in a zigzag direction. ‘The vein is continuous as far as it has been
explored, which is between 30 and 40 rods. The depth to which
it has been worked is 30 feet in some places, without any diminu-
tion of the quantity of lead.

The vein appears as if it had once been a rent in the rock, and
subsequently filled with mineral matter. Its direction, in one place,
bears 20° north of west, but in other places it is west. Its di-
_ rection downwards is nearly perpendicular. The expense of rais-

__ ing the ore is greatly increased by layers of rock, lying across the
od vein, they are called caps; these have to be encountered every

few feet; they appear like layers which have been slid latterly

over the vein, yet this is probably not the way in which these caps
were made to occupy the position we find them, as they usually
have a thin vein of ore, leading to a larger mass, immediately be-
neath them. It is not easy to account for the frequent intrusion
of masses of rocky as there is no regularity in their occurrence.

The immediate gange or matrix of the galena, in the great vein

in Rossie, and, in fact, in all which have been discovered, is cal-
-- careous spar. Several other veins have been discovered in the im-

mediate neighborhood of this, not in its geographical range. The
small progress, however, which had been made in opening them,
when we were there, makes it impossible to offer any thing satis-
factory, as it regards their prospects. On the Black lake, five
miles from the village of Rossie, there appears to have been another
deposite of lead, as in this vicinity also several veins have been dis-
covered. Not sufficient lead, at either of them, has been raised to
meet the expense of exploration, and it is probable they will not
be productive. The course of these veins is westerly, and the
rock, together with the immediate gangue, is the sanie as at Ros-
sie; there is, therefore, a great degree of regularity attending all

126 [AssemBuy

the mines yet discovered. Disseminated in the matrix is a white,
earthy substance, which appears to be a mixture of earthy carbo-
nate of lead and lime; itis generally called putty by the miners, and
is considered as a sure indication of galena. ‘The ore at the Rossie
mine, is very beautiful, sometimes it occurs in large cubic crystals,
modified on the solid angles by replacements, or it is in a granular
form, with a white silvery lustre. ‘The clevage of the large crys-
tals furnish splendent surfaces, like polished steel; in fact, nothing
of the mineral kind exceeds it in beauty, or equals it in lustre.
Other forms, as the regular octohedron and dodecahedron, are quite
common. The large crystals are confined to one portion of the
vein, called by the miners, a water course. The country known
as the Rossie hills, in which these mines are situated, is a broken
region, elevated 150 or 200 feet above the St. Lawrence; these
hills are primitive, being composed of gneiss, hornblende, and
limestone. The most remarkable features of the gneiss, are the
contortions of its strata; these it is impossible to describe without
the aid of diagrams. ‘The existence of the lead in thin veins, and
widely dispersed over this hilly region, is an unfavorable feature
for the mining operations of this district. It is conjectured by
some, though it is nothing more than conjecture, that the veins
may come together deep in the interior of the earth. Was there
sufficient evidence of this concentration below, undoubtedly there
is enough boldness among the capitalists to risk the sinking of a
shaft to intersect them.

As mining is a new business in this country, it will be sometime
before we shall be in the possession of facts and principles to en-
able us to reduce it toa system; yet there are common indications
at all the deposites of lead and copper, which are soon learnt, but
we have yet to learn what is to be expected from a thin seam of
ore, whenit comes to the surface under a certain variety of cir-
cumstances, and this knowledge can be obtained only by the pro-
secution of mining, and observing and recording all the phenomena
met with in its progress. .

~The account of the ores of iron, in the northern district, has
been drawn up by Mr. Hall, who, during the past season, gave
much of his attention to them; his account, therefore, together
with his remarks of a general character, it is believed, will be in-
teresting and useful to those engaged in the manufacture of iron.

«

ia ite
; ba
eit *

No. 161.] 127

ORES OF IRON.

One of the most prominent features in the geology of the second
district, is the abundant distribution of iron ore: with the excep-
tion of the extreme northern portion, and some parts of Jefferson
county, scarcely a mile can be travelled over, but indications of
this ore will be observed, more or less frequent.

This extensive tract of country, comprising an area of nearly
8,000 square miles, much of it exhibiting a broken and mountain-
ous surface, almost unfit for any agricultural purposes, except
grazing, is yet extremely rich in its ores and timber. Almost the
whole of this extensive tract is well wooded, and by judicious ma-
nagement—attending to the second growth—would furnish char-
coal for working the ores of its inexhaustible mines for an indefi-
nite period. Although presenting almost an interminable wilder-
ness, with many other obstacles to the cultivator, yet its mineral
treasures offer a sure and rich reward to the enterprising capital-
ist. In proof of this statment, reference need only be made to the
flourishing condition of the different establishments for the manu-
facture of iron in this region.

~ The different kinds of ore in this section, are the following, in
the order of their abundance..

. Magnetic oxide of iron:

wo

. Specular oxide of iron, and its varieties:

or

. Bog iron ore.

I MAGNETIC OXIDE OF IRON.
General Remarks.

This ore of iron is as extensively distributed as the mountains of
granite and gneiss, throughout Warren, Essex, Clinton and Frank-
lin counties; very little of any other kind of ore is found in the
mountainous parts of these counties. Hamilton county, and the
southeast part of St. Lawrence county, contain numerous beds of
this ore, which have not been explored.

Geological Situation and Associated Rocks.

This ore occurs in beds parallel to the direction of the mountain
ranges, and when in gneiss, parallel to its apparent stratification.

128 [ AssEMBLY

The general course of the rocky ranges, (granite in different forms,
gneiss, &c.) is north-northeast and south-southwest, though sub-
ject to local variations, where the course is north and south, or
northeast and southwest. The beds of this ore are frequently call-
ed veins, but it is evident, on examination, that this is not the
fact, from the following circumstances—their being parallel to the
mountain ranges, dipping at the same angle as the surrounding rocks;
the dissemination of particles of ore among the rock to a conside-
rable distance from the bed, gradually decreasing in quantity as
the distance from the bed increases. ‘These, with other circum-
stances uniformly attending these formations, proves incontestibly
that they are beds. In the examination of numerous beds of this ore,
there was not observed a single exception to these rules, except
where the dip, or bearing, was changed by the protrusion of trap
dykes, the effect of which will be noticed in another place.

The rocks associated with this kind of ore vary considerably in
character in different localities. In some parts of Essex county
the ore is associated with a rock composed of quartz and horn-
blende, of fine granular structure; but the most extensive beds in
this county are associated with a granite, or sienite, composed al-
most entirely of dark colored feldspar, containing masses of opa-
lescent or Labrador feldspar; and in some places a small propor-
tion of augite. This kind of granite is the prevailing ‘rock in Es-
sex county.

In Clinten county the ore is associated with rocks of different
character; sometimes a granite composed of quartz and feldspar,
quartz and hornblende, or feldspar and hornblende, sometimes with
scales and seams of mica, forming gneiss. The rock is generally
very compact, though sometimes of a loose or slaty texture. +

In Franklin county the rocks contain much more hornblende,
which is frequently observed in crystalline masses in the walls of
the beds and among the ore; the rocks in this county are usually
of a coarser and more crystalline structure than those in Clinton
county. This character of the rocks prevails where beds of ore
arelalready worked, but will not prove uniform throughout the
county.

a

The general inclination or dip of these beds is the same as that
of the rocks, which varies from 70° to 80°; but it is sometimes ver-
tical, and where affected by dykes, it varies from 50° to verticality.

No. 161.] 129

Extent and thickness of the Beds.

The extent and thickness of beds of this ore is extremely varia-
ble in different localities; it sometimes occurs in seams of a few
inches in thickness; and again, in beds of six or eight feet in width.
Most of the beds worked are from three to six feet average width,
and a bed of three feet in general width sometimes enlarges to ten
feet, and again decreases to one foot. The narrowest bed I have
seen worked was about eighteen inches average width; having
been penetrated to the depth of nearly forty feet. I shall, howe-
ver, have occasion to mention beds of several hundred feet in
width. }

Few of these beds have been tracted uninterruptedly for more
than a mile, though many of them doubtless extend several miles,
butare covered with soil and fragments of rocks, which prevent
examination without much labor.

Local details.

Beds of this kind of ore have been more extensively wrought in
the vicinity of Clintonville, than any other place. And the most
extensive one here is the Arnold bed, or rather beds, there being
four parallel, and at no great distance from each other. Two of
these have been wrought to a considerable extent; one of them to
the depth of 200 feet or more, and having an average width of six
feet. The width of the bed and quality of the ore continued nearly
the same, or somewhat improved, to this depth. The whole length
of the working was about 80 rods; course NNE; dip 70° WNW.
At the distance of half a mile north of this place, in the direc
tion of the bed, an opening was made and ore of similar quality
obtained, thus furnishing a fact in evidence of the continuation of
the bed to that distance. Ata point 70 or 80 rods southward from
this working, another bed has been opened, which appears to run.
more westerly than either of the four mentioned.

The next in importance is the Palmer bed. This has been pene-
trated to the depth of nearly 100 feet, the width and quality of the
ore continuing the same. The width varies from 4 to 10 ft; its gene-
ral width being about 7 feet; it has been worked about 100 rods in
length, ina N. N. E. and 8. 8. W. course; the dip varying from
65° to 80° W.N.W. This bed, as well as those last mentioned, if
properly managed, is capable of furnishing large quantities of ore.

[Assem. No. 161.] Vt

130 _ [Assemeiy

Two other beds_occur in this vicinity; one is owned by Mr.
Cook, the other by Messrs. Flack & Ransom. Both these will
eventually yield large quantities of ore, but have not yet been ex-
tensively worked. A forge in the vicinity of each bed is supplied
with ore, and a considerable quantity sold to the proprietors of oth-
er forges at a distance from them. From the latter bed ore is
taken to supply a forge at Willsborough, more than 20 miles distant.

At the distance of four or five miles N. E. of the Arnold ore
beds, Messrs. McDonald & Tomlinson have opened a bed of ore
of fine quality, which promises te be extensive; the character of
the ore resembles that from the Arnold beds. The indications of
ore, are not, however, confined to a single bed, but extend over a
considerable surface. Further investigations will, probably, more
fully develope the resources of this region.

I visited a bed of ore a few miles from Plattsburgh, up the
Saranac river. The ore is very similar to that at Clintonville, but
the.bed had not then been opened to any considerable extent; pre-
parations for mining and working the ore, were, however, com-
menced, and from its favorablé location in regard to wood and
water power, together with facilities for transportation and its
proximity to the village of Plattsburgh, which is fast becoming an
important manufacturing place, there can be no reason why iron
may not be extensively and profitably manufactured at this place.

The iron mines along the lake offer very great advantages for
transportation, but have this disadvantage, that, as the land is
more cleared, the wood will become sooner exhausted, than if far-
ther from the lake, where the country is comparatively uninhabit-
ed. ‘These advantages and disadvantages can be readily estimat-
ed by any one who is desirous of investing capital in what is, and>
from the rapidly increasing demand for iron, will continue to be,
one of the most profiatble branches of manufacture in the country.

This kind of ore is wrought in several places in Moriah; and
the forges for several miles around are supplied with ore from this
place. There are four beds of ore in this town which have been
worked: besides these, there is an extensive one at Crown-Point.

The most extensive beds of this kind of ore in the district, and
perhaps in the world, are found at Newcomb, in the vicinity of
Lake Sandford, but a few miles from the source of the Hudson

No. 161.] 131

river. One of these immense beds lies on the east side of Lake
Sandford at an elevation of 200 feet above the lake. This bed
has been traced upon the surface for more than a mile in length,
from N. N. E. to 8S. S. W., and is more than 300 feet in width.”
At a point about three miles farther north, ore of similar quality is
found in the side of a hill; and it is not improbable that it may be
the same bed extending to this distance, (more than four miles.)
About a mile north of the inlet to Lake Sandford, in the bed and
on both sides of the stream, is a bed of ore which cannot be much
less than 500 feet wide, and in all probability far exceeds that
breadth. This bed, with one or two minor ones on the east side
of the stream, has been traced for three-fourths of a mile in a
northerly direction, and probably continues much farther souther-
ly, as the great numbers of boulders and angular fragments of ore
lying on the surface and imbedded in the soil, seem to indicate.
Some of these boulders of ore cannot weigh less than three tons.
These inexhaustible beds of ore, with regard to water power and
wood for charcoal, are as favorably situated for working as they
are superior in point of magnitude. The water of the north branch
of the Hudson river, in its passage from Lake Henderson to Lake
Sandford, (a distance of more than’a mile,) can be employed seve-
ral times, there being sufficient fall to allow of the erection of dams
within short distances of each other. And should more water
power be required, the water of the east branch of the Hudson
can be turned into the north branch at a trifling expense. The
water power thus obtained, if applied to forges, would be suffi-
cient to propel machinery for the manufacture of many thousand
tons of iron annually. :

This superior water privilege, together with the immense guan-
tities of ore and timber for charcoal, give this place a decided su-
periority over any other for the manufacture of iron. The only
serious impediment is the want of a communication wita a mar-
ket, by roads or other means. This difficulty, however, may be
overcome, as there are facilities for constructing either a turnpike
or rail-road (40 miles) to Lake Champlain.

The course of the Hudson and Schroon rivers have veen exa-
mined, with a view to opening a water communication to Glen’s-

* The ore from the whole area of this bed, to the depth of one foot, would weigh 213,- —
384 tons. :

132 [ ASSEMBLY

Falls. Such communications, either by water or by rail-roads,
would be the means of developing the immense wealth of this part
of the country in iron and lumber: and unless some means of
transportation be provided, they must remain as they now are, in
the bosom of the earth, or upon its surface, yielding none of their
almost exhaustless stores of wealth, either to individual enterprise
or to the community. It would be well worthy the attention of our
Legislature to inquire into this subject, and if there are any feasi-
ble means of developing the resources of this region, it will doubt-
less be the policy of our State government to put such means in
requisition.

There is an extensive territory in the northern part of this State,
occupying most of the portion between Lake Champlain and the
St. Lawrence river, except the northern and western portions, to-
gether with a narrow belt along the lake, which is now nearly un-
productive, not that it is destitute of resources, for, on the contra-
ry, it is one of the richest parts of the State in its mines of iron
ore and forests of timber.

The ore in the north part of Keene, Essex Co. was formerly ma-
nufactured at the Elba iron works at that place, but has long since
been abandoned, on account of its unfitness for working. Its par-
ticular position is somewhat different from the other beds: it oc-
curs on the side of a mountain having the same inclination as its
strata, and lying between limestone and granite, the limestone be-
low and the granite above. This mountain, which will be men-
tioned in another part of the report, has its interior composed of
limestone, while the outer crust, from a few feet to a few yards
in thickness, is granite.

Iron ore exists in several places in Warren county, associated
with granite and gneiss; it has not yet been worked extensively,
though it doubtless exists in large quantities.

In Franklin county, iron ore occurs in large quantities, though
few beds have been opened. It has been more extensively worked
at Duane than any other place; several beds have been opened,
and one or two considerably worked. One bed, called the ‘‘ steel
ore bed,” has been opened to the depth of 80 feet; the bearing is
the same as those before noticed, though the dip is easterly. The
width of this bed is very variable, sometimes almost disappearing
and again widening to seven or eight feet. The walls are much

No. 161.] 133

broken and very irregular. The rock associated with this ore is
principally composed of hornblende, with some quartz and feld-
spar. Mr. Duane has opened several other beds in the vicinity,
but they either yielded so little ore, or ore of so inferior a quali-
ty, that they have not been worked. A bed, however, has re-
cently been opened within a few miles of this place, on the Deer
river, which yields ore of good quality, and sufficient in quantity
to repay working. Ore beds in this vicinity are very favorably
situated with regard to wood and water power. |

At Malone, the county town of Franklin, an ore bed was opened
some years since, from which, at different times, several hundred
tons of ore have been obtained. ‘The bed is covered with soil,
and it has been so irregularly worked, that it is impossible to judge
accurately of its dimensions, course or dip. The abundance and
good quality of the ore requires only enterprise and capital to ren-
der it a source of profit. Its situation renders it favorable for
working, being near a fine stream, and in the vicinity of exten-
sive and well wooded lands. This bed occupies almost the ex-
treme north end of the primitive range; sandstone lying against
its eastern slope, and in the valley of the Salmon river: to the
west, the sandstone is found at the distance of a few miles, occu-
pying the valleys of the rivers and the low grounds, as it does
along the whole breadth of the State, from Plattsburgh to Og-
densburgh. From examinations now made, it may be inferred
that the sandstone was deposited previous to the elevation of the
primitive ranges, which project into it, breaking it up, and causing
much confusion in the stratification near the points of contact,
while in the broad valleys it is nearly horizontal, exhibiting along
the rivers perpendicular walls, of from 20 to 50 feet in height.
This is one among the many remarkable geological features of this
section, and which will be adverted to in another place.

In Pierrepont, St. Lawrence county, a bed of this kind of ore has
been worked to some extent; the ore is abundant, judging from
the openings that have been made. It is favorably located with
regard to wood and water, and also for market, being within 30
miles of Ogdensburgh.

An ore of similar quality occurs in Canton, on the land of the
Hon. S. Van Rensselaer; it does not appear to be abundant, and
probably will not repay working.

134 [ ASSEMBLY

There are, doubtless, in other parts of the district, large depo-
sites of this ore which have not yet been discovered, on account
of the dense forests which cover the surface and render examina-
tion laborious and difficult. Time, however, will develope these
valuable resources, and enterprise and industry will render them
available, notwithstanding their secluded and almost inaccessible
position.

Origin of Ore.

With regard to the source or origin of the magnetic ores, there
can be no doubt but they are as much an original formation as the
rocks in which they are embraced. It has been before stated that
these beds have the same bearing as the rocky ranges. ‘The gran-
ite forming the walls, or roof and floor, has particles of ore dis-
seminated through it, decreasing in quantity as we recede from
the bed. These particles could not have found their way into the
rock, if the ore had been projected into fissures or between strata
after the rock had become in any degree consolidated. From these
and many other circumstances, we infer that the conditions, as
respects fluidity, must have been the same in the rock as in the ore.

PHENOMENA OF Dykes.

Few beds have been sufficiently wrought to develop the effects
produced by dykes, (or as the workmen here call them, horses,)
although they are observed in almost all beds which have been
worked. By a dyke, is meant a wall or vein of mineral matter,
different from the ore or rock which it traverses. The dykes trav-
ersing these beds of ore are commonly vertical, or nearly so. A
knowledge of the changes produced by dykes, and the best methods
of obviating the difficulties arising from them, is of much import
ance to the practical miner.

A dyke crossing at right angles to the course of a bed of ore,
causes no change in its direction; but a dyke crossing obliquely to
the course of a bed, causes a dislocation, or turning of the bed
from its course, in proportion to its obliquity and thickness. The
most westerly of the Arnold beds, which has been worked for the
distance of 80 rods, is crossed by ten dykes, from one inch to 16
feet in thickness; most of them are at right angles, or so little
oblique as to cause only a few inches variation in the course of
the bed: two of these however, crossed at an angle of about 45°,
causing a dislocation of the bed of almost its entire width. In

No. 161.] 135

working this bed, from south to north, the workmen cut through
the dyke, and finding granite similar to the walls of the bed, sup-
posed it was terminated at this point, but discovering a small seam
of ore on the west side they penetrated farther, and again found
the bed of its original thickness: continuing in the same direction
as before for 80 feet, it was again crossed by the second dyke,
and after passing this, the bed resumed its original position.

Dykes have also been noticed crossing the three other beds in
the vicinity of the one just mentioned; but as they have been
little worked, the effects have not been ascertained. The dykes
crossing these beds were also noticed crossing the first, and, pro-
bably, when more extensive openings shall be made, each dyke
will be found crossing all the beds.

In many cases these dykes cause much inconvenience to the
workmen, and often produce such confusion in the bed that its -
course cannot be readily traced.

A vertical dyke was noticed in the Palmer bed, nearly parallel
to its course: the dip of the bed was about 70°, except where the
dyke was protruded, and there it was nearly horizontal.

Two dykes were observed in another ore bed at Clintonville,
called the Winter ore bed; these dykes embraced between them a
narrow vein of compact and fine-grained ore, differing from the
ore in the principal bed, and capable of being manufactured direct-
ly into steel. Dykes were observed crossing the beds at Duane,
Malone, and other places; and it is probable, from their existence
in all the mountain ranges of this region, that they will be found
in all the beds of magnetic ore, when they shall be sufficiently
worked. | ;

The mineral character of these dykes is variable; sometimes
they are very compact and hard, at others, soft, fissile and wacke-
like. Where a compact and hard dyke crosses a bed, the ore in the
immediate vicinity is hard and the bed somewhat narrower. On
the contrary, where a soft and wacke-like dyke crosses a bed, the
ore is softer and the bed enlarges. Specimens frequently occur
where the trap and ore are firmly united. The present is not the
time to discuss this subject fully, yet sufficient has been said to
call the attention of the miner to the most important effects produ-
ced by them. Ata future time the subject will be more fully ex-
plained.

186 | ASSEMBLY

il. SPECULAR OXIDE OF IRON.

General Remarks.

The specular iron ore, with the variety micaceous oxide of iron,
is extensively distributed throughout a great part of St. Lawrence
county; forming extensive beds of frequent occurrence, in most
cases rising to or above the general surface of the surrounding
countrv. I have not observed this ore except in St. Lawrence
county, though it will, probably, hereafter be found in the north
part of Herkimer and Hamilton counties, and perhaps in the south
part of Franklin county. From many circumstances, I am inclin-
ed to believe that this ore will prove far more abundant in St.
Lawrence county than is generally supposed; but more extended
operations are required to develop the valuable character of many
beds, which will otherwise remain unknown.

Geological situation and associated Rocks.

This ore occurs in beds which are more nearly horizontal than
those of the magnetic ore, though still conforming to the stratifi-
cation of the rocks with which they are associated. From their
position being nearly horizontal, and having frequently a conside-
rable extent of length and breadth upon the surface, we have less
difficulty in conceiving them to be beds than we have of the mag-
netic ores.

The rock with which this ore is associated is the primitive lime-
stone, though the gangue or matrix is frequently quartz of a por-
ous or corroded texture, which is embedded in limestone. Al-
though the proper geological situation of this ore is in the lime-
stone, yet granite and gneiss are frequently interstratified with it:
limestone, however, is the prevailing rock in the vicinity of these
ore beds.

¥

Extent and thickness of Beds.

Beds of this ore frequently extend to 20 or 30 rods in length and
breadth upon the surface, and in some instances much more than
this. The depth of none of the beds has been ascertained, though
some have been penetrated to the depth of 30 or even to 50 feet,
the ore continuing undiminished.

No. 161.] 137
Local Details.

As before stated, the specular iron ores, so far as observed, are
confined to St. Lawrence county, though they are probably co-
extensive with the limestone of this part of the section. The
coarse, porous and vesicular quartz, which is sometimes associated
as the immediate gangue or matrix, has its interstices filled with
the argillaceous, or the scaly red oxide of iron, which is washed
out entirely by exposure to rains. In many places this ore is ar-
gillaceous, very adhesive, and soils almost indelibly, whatever
comes in contact with it; the skin and clothes of those engaged in
working the ore, become so impregnated with it that it is not easi-
ly removed. ‘These remarks do not apply to the crystalline varie-
ties, which are hard and unyielding to the touch.

Beds of this ore have been most extensively worked in Ros-
sie. ‘The two beds known as the Parish and Kerney beds have
supplied the furnaces in the vicinity. These beds consist mostly
of the brown or argillaceous varicties, and are considered superior
for morning to those which are crystalline.

The Parish bed occupies almost the whole extent of a knoll 20 or |
30 feet in height, and from 20 to 30 rods in length and breadth. A
large quantity of the ore and rock in which it is contained has been
removed from the northern extremity of the hill, opening to view a
section more than 20 feet in depth entirely across the hill from east
to west. The rock is so irregularly fractured or fissured in almost
every direction, that it is only by the general configuration of the
hill we acquire any knowledge of its stratification, which, however,
apparently conforms to the outline of the hill, scarcely varying,
except at its edges, from a horizontal position. This immense de-
posite of ore has been for a long time neglected, but preparations
have recently been made to work it more extensively than here-
tofore; and there can be no doubt but it will richly repay the own-
, er,and manufacturer.

The Kerney ore bed is near the Parish bed, and probably connect-
ed with it beneath the surface. This bed scarcely rises to the sur-
face of the soil, but has been sufficiently uncovered in several
places to exhibit its contour, which resembles an irregular and very
much flattened cone, and appears as if formed, either by some
force acting from beneath so as to raise up the strata, or by the
strata of ore having been deposited upon and around some prom-

[Assem. No. 161.] 18 .

138 | ASSEMBLY

inence—the former appears most probable. The ore is fissured as
in the Parish bed, but differs from that in presenting seams of stra-
tification parallel to its outline. This bed has not been so exten-
sively worked as the last, though several thousand tons have been
taken from it. The ore continues of an uniform character to the
depth to which it has been penetrated,—not exceeding eight feet.

A bed of similar ore occurs in Canton, which was formerly
worked, but has since been abandoned: the failure probably arose
from attempting to work it by a forge fire instead of a furnace.
Beds of this ore occur at Gouverneur, Edwards, Fowler, and
Scriba—in all eight or nine—but Iam not aware that any have
been worked for manufaciuring purposes, except the two at Ros-
sie, and the one at Canton.

There are indications of other beds in the vicinity of those just
mentioned, which, from appearances on the surface, are probably
extensive. Where a bed of this ore approaches the surface its
presence is known by the red color of the soil, given by the oxide
of iron.

These ores are first reduced to pig iron, and afterwards convert-
ed into malleable iron; while the magnetic ores are manufactured
directed into malleable iron.

Origin of Specular Ore.

The specular oxide of iron appears to have been formed at the
same time as the rocks which embrace it, though in some places
there are appearances which would indicate a later origin: or per-
haps, that the ore was an aqueous deposite and has since been
changed by heat. Itdoes not, however, concern our present pur-
pose to discuss theories upon the subject.

Il. BOG ORE.
General Remarks. .

This ore is most extensively distributed on the north and se
of the mountainous region, as we descend towards the St. Law-
rence river. It is most abundant in St. Lawrence county;
though numerous and extensive beds are found in Jefferson, Frank-
lin and Clinton counties. The face of the country and other cir-
cumstances are more favorable to its formation in these counties,
than in Essex, Warren and Hamilton.

No. 161.] 139

Geological situation and Associated Rocks.

The geological position of bog ore is various: being an alluvial
formation, it occurs in beds of greater or less extent, associated
with the rocks of other formations. Thus, in Franklin county, it
lies upon, or occurs in beds in the tertiary; and in some places in
St. Lawrence county, immediately upon the primitive rocks; but
more frequently it is found in the alluvial bottoms of streams and
rivers. It not only occurs along the courses of streams and in
swamps and low grounds, but also on more elevated ground where
streams do not now flow.’ It sometimes occurs on the sides of
hills, deposited just beneath, and sometimes on the surface; at
other times several feet beneath the soil, covered by sand and
gravel, and underlaid by beds of clay and hardpan.

Extent and thickness of Beds.

In most situations beds of this ore are of limited extent, and
from one to three feet in thickness. Sometimes the ore is dissemi-
nated through sand and gravel to considerable depths, but in many
such cases the greater part of the bed is gravel and not ore.—
From its mode of formation it will easily be conceived why beds
are rarely of any considerable extent.

Local Details.

The most extensive bed of this ore known in this part of the
State, is at Brasher, extending in one direction six miles, having,
where it has been worked, a thickness of two feet. A furnace
has recently been erected at that place for manufacturing the ore;
another furnace at Norfoik is supplied with ore from the same bed.
At Waddington, a furnace has been in operation for a considera-
ble time, supplied with bog ore from that place. At Westville,
Franklin county, a bed of this ore has supplied two forge fires for
25 years, and the ore is continually increasing by deposition from
water. Several other beds occur in this town, but none of them
sufficiently extensive for working.

Bog ore is found at Malone and several other places in Franklin
county, but has not been worked except at Westville.

In St. Lawrence county, two extensive beds occur in the town
of Hermon, one of which is three feet in thickness and of great
extent. A bed of this ore in Fowler has principally supplied the

Fullerville furnace for seven years.

140 | ASSEMBLY

_ In Gouverneur, a bed of this ore contains twigs, roots and leaves,
replaced by the ore; these specimens preserve their organic struc-
ture so perfectly, that they are often recognized as birch, beech, &c.

This ore is found in several places in Canton, but none of the
beds are sufficiently extensive for use. A bed of this ore was
worked in Lisbon, (and the ore manufactured into iron at Can-
ton,) several years since, but is now abandoned: it might doubt-
less be reopened to advantage if it is sufficiently extensive.

In Jefferson county, at Carthage, bog ore has been worked and
manufactured for 16 years, but the supply is decreasing. From
the proximity of the primitive rocks, and their extension into the
eastern part of this county, there is much probability of the ore
being found in larger quantities in that direction.

Bog ore exists in beds of greater or less extent in almost every
town in St. Lawrence county, and when the attention of the pub-
lic shall be directed to them, they will, in many instances, prove
valuable. |

Origin of Bog Ore.

Bog ore is a deposition resulting from water, which as it loses
its carbonic acid, deposites the iron before held in solution: thus
continual accumulations are made, which in time form extensive
beds. The decomposition of rocks containing iron, afford con-
tinual supplies of the material which is washed away by rains;
the water, by excess of carbonic acid, dissolving the oxide and
carbonate of iron. The decomposition of pyritous rocks affords
large quantities of oxide and subsulphate of iron, the latter of
which is decomposed, and thus it is one of the most, if not the most,
prolific source of bog ore. The specular ores also, furnish the
material for bog ore in large quantities.

Beds of bog ore are considered as indications of ‘‘ rock ore,” as
it is termed, in the vicinity; but this is not uniformly the case, for
we have observed deposites of bog ore which resulted from the de-
composition of rocks containing very little iron, and indeed where
there is no iron, except with sulphur, inthe iron pyrites: so that
it does not follow, that ‘‘rock ore” exists always in the vicinity
of bog ore.

No. 161.] id

Economical considerations.

Few beds of ore have been extensively worked in this part of
the country; the Arnold bed has already been referred to as the
one most extensively wrought. This bed has been leased to the
Peru Iron company for the last 10 years, and there have been
4,000 tons of ore annually raised from the mine, for which they
have paid $1.80 per ton, thus yielding to the proprietors of the
mine an annual income of more than $7,000. This income might
be secured from the avails of the mine for an indefinite period, it
care was taken in the working to provide security for the walls or
roof, which otherwise collapse, and render a new opening neces-
sary. From the inclined position of this bed, it was necessary to
support the roof when the ore was removed; this was done so im-
perfectly, that about two years since the supports gave way, and
the roof fell in, which now prevents the working of the bed at
this place. Should this bed ever be reopened, the expense of
clearing it of the fallen and broken rocks would be more than the
first expense of raising the ore; and after this was done, the wall
upon that side would require far more to support it than before;
with this inconvenience, that all the surface water would percolate
through the fissures into the mine, thus causing continual annoy-
ance, and increase of expense in working it.

A want of knowledge, both of the science and art of mining, is
manifested in the working of most of the mines. They are prin-
cipally in the hands of men who use them for present profit; and
even many of the proprietors, who should be attentive to the man-
ner in which their mines are worked, yet leave them to the con-
trol of individuals who attend only to raising the ore with the least
possible present expense; the mine being left, so that after a few
years, at farthest, it is unsafe to enter, and finally, the roof falls,
and then a new place is opened. In no case does the ore deterio-
rate on descending, but, on the contrary, improves in quality, in
most beds. This should be an inducement to keep open the shafts
until the expense of raising ore was so great that it would compel
the opening of new ones. No accidents have occurred in work-
ing these mines, except from blasting; but this is not owing to the
care of securing the walls, the rocks being of such a quality that
they will remain if but slightly supported; but after the bed is
penetrated to a great depth, the support being taken away gradu-
ally, as the ore is removed, the weight becomes too great for the

142 [ ASSEMBLY

*

strength of the rock, and if the supports are not sufficiently strong,
they are crushed.

A want of foresight or proper caution is sometimes observed in
sinking shafts, for ventilation, &c. At the Palmer bed, a shaft was
sunk, to a considerable distance in the granite, with the expecta-
tion of opening into the bed where it was worked below; but after
having penetrated deep enough for the purpose, it was suspected
that it might be out of the course of the bed, which on examina-
tion proved to be the case. A little attention to the course of the
bed, would have saved the labor and expense here thrown away.

Much improvement might be made in all the operations of min-
ing, &c. if properly conducted. Several exceptions to these re-
marks might be named, but such individuals are themselves con-
scious of the propriety of their own course, and of the justice of
what I have said.

Quantity of Iron manufactured in the different Counties.

WaRREN County.

There is but one.forge in Warren county; the manufacture of
iron has scarcely commenced, though there is abundance of ore.*

Essex Coenry.

I have not been able to visit the different forges and furnaces in
this county, but have obtained information from various sources
showing that there are about from. 1,200 to 1,500 tons of iron
manufactured annually; more than nalf this amount is malleable
iron. The principal forges are at Port Henry, Crown-Point,
Westport, Elizabethtown and Schroon.

CuiInton County.

There is nearly as much iron manufactured in Clinton county
as in all the other counties of this district; the aggregate amount
being about 3,000 tons annually. Of this amount 800 tons are manu-
factured by the Peru Iron Company, at Clintonville; the remain-
der by the different forges, principally along the valley of the Au-
sable and its branches. No pig iron is made in this county; the

* Since writing this report I have been favored with specimens of iron ore from seven
or eight different localities in the vicinity of Chester and Schroon, Warren county. The
ores of this vicinity have been but little investigated, and when they shall be, will doubt-
less prove abundant and valuable. The specimens referred to are generally of good quali-
ty, and suitable both for furnace and forge manufacture.

No. 161.] 143

ore is made directly into malleable iron. In addition to what this
company manufacture, about as much more is purchased from oth-
er forges; which, together with their own manufacture, is convert-
ed into haops, bolts, nails, anchors, chain cables, &c. ; 1,200 tons
are manufactured into nails of various sizes; 75 tons into anchors;
from 40 to 200 tons into chain cable; the remainder into various
other articles. ‘The average value of bar iron is $75 per ton; but
during the past year it has been from $85 to $100 per ton.

The Peru Company in the manufacture of 800 tons bar iron use
400,000 bushels of charcoal; besides this, large quantities of wood
are used in the rolling-mill and nail factory.

FRANKLIN County.

In Franklin county there is a forge at Westville,one at Malone,
and a forge and furnace at Duane. At the furnace is manufacture
ed annually about 400 tons pig iron; and at the different forges,
about 200 tons malleable iron.

HamiLton County.

~ The manufacture of iron has not yet commenced in Hamilton
county, though there is every facility for operations of this kind.

Sr. Lawrence County.

In St. Lawrence county there are furnaces for smelting ore at
Fullerville, Norfolk, Waddington, Brasher and Freemansburgh, the
latter in the town of Edwards. At these places it may be calculat-
ed that about 2,000 tons of pig iron are manufactured. annually.
Besides these furnaces there is a forge at Matildaville, where
about 40 tons of iron-are annually made.

JEFFERSON Counry.

Carthage is the only place in Jefferson county where iron is
manufactured. Iron works were established in that place 16 years
since. There are two furnaces, one of which only is now in ope-
ration, where 400 tons of pig iron, and 50 tons of malleable iron
are made annually.

Value and importance of Iron Manufactures.

It is unnecessary here to dilate upon the importance of the iron
manufacture, to a State possessing the wealth and advantages of
New-York. It is evident that this branch of industry will form a

144 | | ASSEMBLY

prominent feature in the character of our State; and while the
public mind is directed to the development of internal resources,
this one cannot fail to take a prominent place, both as regards the
interests of the State and of individuals, but also as a subject of
great national importance. :

The increased demand for iron has arisen, in part, from perma-
nent causes, such as its application to a great variety of new pur-
poses. The demand arising from this cause will continue to in-
crease indefinitely, or until limits are prescribed to human ingenu-
ty. Another, and great source.of demand has arisen from the con-
struction of rail-roads in this and other countries. To the latter
cause may be attributed chiefly the rise in the value of iron within
the last two years; and the demand from the same source is likely
to increase for a number of years to come, even if no more than
the rail-roads now chartered should be constructed. This demand,
arising from the construction of rail-roads, is. likely to increase
faster than the supply of iron; and while the English manufactu-
rers are directing their attention to supply this new demand, other
branches of iron manufacture must increase also, in like proportion,
both in demand and value.

The value of iron and steel manufactures imported into the
United States for the year previous to the 30th of June last,
was $7,717,910. The year previous the import was less than
$5,000,000.

Mr. Cambreling’s report shows an increase in the importation
of bar iron for the seven years previous to 1835, of 774 per cent -
over the former seven years, or from 1821 to 1828.*

The development of the rich mines, and the establishment of
iron manufactures in the northern part of our State, would great-
ly increase the population, by increasing the demand for labor
where it would not otherwise be called for. ‘There are 500 per-
sons either immediately or remotely connected with the iron works
of the Peru company at Clintonville. Of these, 100 are engaged
in the works, receiving from 80 cents to $3 per day each for their
labor. Those out of the works, but dependent on them, are mi-
ners, colliers, teamsters, &c. with their families.

* Tn 1828 there was manufactured in England 732,000 tons of iron, of this there arr
exported, of unwrought iron and steel, together with hardwares, cutlery, arms, machine-

ry, &c. 150,000 tons. In 1820 there was manufactured in England 400,000 tons, and in
1806, 250,000 tons, t

No. 161.] 7 145

The value of iron sent into market by this company during the
last year, will be about $194,000. The remaining manufacture
in Clinton county, must have yielded during the past year upwards
of $125,000, making in all $319,000.

The value of iron manufactured in the second geological district
for the last year, will be considerably more than $500,000.

Importance and application of Science to Mining.

It may not be out of place at this time to offer a few remarks
on the importance and application of science to mining operations.
The northern part of our State must eventually become a mining
district; and at the present time many persons are waiting only to
be convinced of the prospect of success, to engage extensively in
this branch of national industry. Many persons hesitate to un-
dertake any thing of this kind, from the fact that little or no de-
pendence can be placed on the knowledge or skill of those who
now conduct such operations; indeed, almost every one who has
thought of the subject, regrets that so little science is connected —
with the practical knowledge of these subjects. Many others are
convinced, by sad experience, that practical knowledge, without
science, of the working of one variety of ore in a particular situ-
ation, will not avail in another, where other impurities are com-
bined with the ore.

Not only is knowledge of this kind required for the iron mining
and manufacturing operations, but also for lead, zinc and copper,
which are now attracting the attention of enterprising individuals
in this region; and by their efforts, if properly conducted, we may
expect the development of rich mines of some or all of these metals.

The theory of the formation of metallic substances, and the
rules which may lead to their discovery, are subjects of great im-
portance, not only to the individuals immediately concerned, but
also to the nation at large. The importance of the subject is
sometimes felt and acknowledged by the capitalist, as he is about
investing large sums in some mining operation, the result of which
he can form no just or definite calculation, and which may be as
likely to ruin, as to improve his fortune. The circumstances under
which minerals and ores are generally found, the mode of obtaining
them, their probable extent and value, are inquiries interesting to
the man of science in a philosophical point of view, and to the

[Assem. No. 161.] 19

146 [ AssEMBLY

practical miner of essential and indispensable importance in form-
ing a correct judgment of the mode of working. The knowledge
to be derived from well established data respecting the arrange-
ment and distribution of mineral substances, is evident from many
facts which can be adduced.

For some years lime was exported from Britain to New South
Wales, where native limestone exists in abundance. This could
only have resulted from ignorance of the geological character of
the country.

In Cornwall, until recently, ores of silver and cobalt have been
thrown away from a mine which, since the discovery of their va-
lue, have yielded more than £10,000 per annum. ‘The tin mines
of Cornwall have been celebrated from the earliest periods of his-
tory, but only within the last century have its copper ores been
considered of any value, being previously used for mending the
roads. Even at the present time little attention is paid to any
thing except what is known to yield tin or copper.

In Derbyshire, for many centuries, lead has been smelted from
the common blue ore, yet the other ores of the same metal were
used for mending roads or left in heaps as rubbish; these rejected
ores have since been worked to good account, and even the mate-
rials of a public road have been converted into metal.

In North Carolina a gentleman had worked an ore of gold which
yielded about $40 per ton; on examination the ore proved to be
copper pyrites of good quality, and worth $100 per ton. In another |
case an ore of gold which yielded, by amalgamation, little more
than $2 per bushel, gave on analysis more than $30 per bushel.*

Many instances might be mentioned of persons, in various parts
of the country,: who, believing that their estates contained valu-
able veins of metallic ores, or beds of coal, have been induced to
carry on expensive workings, in many cases, where they could ill
afford the means. Excavations have been made to a considerable
depth in solid rock, without the slightest appearance of metal, in
belief that the vein lay below, and that it was necessary to remove
the superincumbent rock befare the ore would be found. In the
greater number of such cases, a slight knowledge of geology would
have shown that, in all probability, the result would prove un-

ee oe NT Aiea SN Th aC
* For the facts in relation to the gold ore, Iam indebted to Mr. W. W. Mather.

No. 161.] 147

successful. Small masses of, or streaks of ore, in a rock, are
often sufficient inducements to cause the expenditure of large sums
in unsuccessful enterprises. A gentleman engaged in the manu-
facture of iron, in this State, observed to me, that had he possess-
ed some knowledge of geology and mineralogy, when he commenc-
ed his operations, it would have saved him many thousands of dol-
lars, which he had expended in unsuccessful mining and manufac-
turing operations, within a few years. One example of this kind
ought to suffice for convincing every intelligent person of the value
of this kind of knowledge, but hundreds, if necessary, might be
mentioned. ;

The practical miner and worker of ores, generally holds geolo-
gy and metallurgy, in little estimation, and like men in other em-
ployments, prefers following the steps of his forefathers to adopt-
ing improvements which have resulted from scientific investiga-
tions.

In France and Germany we find national institutions for facili-
tating the study of sciences applicable to mining, and in no other
countries, perhaps, is the science of mining carried to so great per-
fection. The advantage of such a course of instruction, is sufh-
ciently demonstrated, by the decided preference given to French
and German mining engineers, by the companies formed for work-
ing the mines of Brazil, and other parts of South America, and
also in the United States. Knowledge of this kind would often be
available in our own country, and, indeed, it seems to be absolute-
ly required at the present time. A collection of ores and useful
minerals, from our own State, would furnish much information on
this important branch of knowledge.

It is not intended, at this time, to present anything more than a
sketch of what may be practically valuable, leaving theory and
elementary principles of geology to be sought elsewhere.

Metals are found in beds and veins. Beds are either limited, or
follow the direction of the strata lying between them, and these
may be of considerable extent. The larger, or principal veins, fol-
low some general direction, which prevails throughout a coun-
try; thus, the principal veins in England run nearly east and west,
though many smaller ones cross them at different angles. The
principal veins of lead in St. Lawrence county, have an easterly
and westerly direction. Narrow veins are commonly short, while

148 [ AssEmBLy

those of greater breadth extend often to great distances. The
silver vein at Guanaxuato, has been worked to the extent of more
than eight miles, and is from 40 to 50 yards in thickness. Some
other veins, in South America, have been traced more than eighty
miles.

We find, from experience, that certain metals and minerals are
associated with certain rocks, or are found in particular strata;
thus, we are able, from the particular mineral association of one
place, to predict, from a partial knowledge of another, what will
be found. Where a bed of metallic ore, or mineral substance, ex-
ists, it may be expected to continue through a considerable tract of
country; or, at least, as far as the same geological formation ex-
ists, Wwe may expect the same metal, or mineral,*in greater or less
quantities, yet sometimes the direction of the bed, or vein, may
be changed, or it may disappear entirely. :

It remains only to mention, at this time, the different rock for-
mations in the northern part of the State, and in connexion, to
name the metals usually found in them, in the hope that many per-
sons will abandon useless search, and others be directed aright in
searching for ores in this region. .

Granite is the most abundant rock in this district—as before ob-
served, it appears to form the mass of many of the mountains in
Warren, Essex, Clinton, Franklin, Hamilton, and, to some degree,
in St. Lawrence county, though its external characters are ex-
tremely different in different places. Granite is the least metalli-
ferous of the primitive strata, though it yields tin and iron, the lat-
ter often in considerable quantities, and in this region, in very ex-
tensive beds. Gold and silver have been found in granite in small
quantities, in some parts of the world.

Gneiss is considered, by some geologists, as immediately over
granite, but it does not always appear to be the case. This rock
is extremely rich in useful metals; most of the mines in Saxony
and Bohemia, are in gneiss mountains. In the vicinity of Frey-
burg, more than two hundred veins of silver, lead, tin, copper and
cobalt, have been worked. The silver mines in Koningsburg are
in this rock. Although gneiss is abundant in the United States, it
is not found to be so eminently metalliferous as in Europe.

No. 161.] 149

Mica slate contains nealy the same metals as gneiss. Iron ore,
both oxide and carbonate of iron, lead, zinc and copper, are found in
this rock in this country: gold and silver mines are also found in
this rock, in some parts of the world.

Talcous slate contains gold, iron, copper and manganese.

Sandstone sometimes contains copper, but not often in sufficient
quantities for working.

Limestone contains lead, zinc, copper, silver and iron.

It is not intended to convey the idea, that all the metals here
mentioned, will be found in this district, nor only a very few of
them. It would be unwise, at this time, to predict what will or will
not be found in any part of the State, and especially so in the north-
ern part, or the second district. Iron ore in abundance, and favor
able indications of profitable veins of lead, zinc and copper, have
been discovered.

Fresh water Mari.

As a fact favorable to the agricultural interests of the northern
part of the State, I might mention the discovery of fresh water
marl, in the town of Edwards, St. Lawrence county. The depo-
site of marl is ina pond, or swamp, supplied with water from a
spring; the marl is a few inches beneath the water; it contains the
species of Helix, &c., usually found in these marls. Its location is
among the granite and limestone mountains of this region, upon
the soil of which, this marl would be highly beneficial. There are,
in several other places, indications of lakes and swamps having
been drained, and perhaps we may here find similar deposites; at
least, these places are deserving of examination.

150 | ASSEMBLY

In bringing to a close the account of my labors, and those of my
assistant, the past season, I cannot but express a wish that.more
had been done for the advancement of the objects of the survey,
than appears on these sheets; yet, considering the peculiar disad-
vantages under which we have iabored, we cannot but flatter our-
selves that as much is accomplished, perhaps, as can reasonably be
expected. If it is not so, it isnot because we have not been desi-
rous of it, neither has it been for want of diligence on our part.
In an appendix I have inserted a list of a few minerals from loca-
lities not given to the public kefore. :

This, together with the foregoing account, is respectfully sub-
mitted.

EBENEZER EMMONS.
Williams College, February 1, 1837.

NOTE TO PAGE 104.

The Notch here mentioned, is an immense gorge, or chasm, furnishing a pass through
these high mountains; on one side the precipice of solid rock, before mentioned, rises
perpendicularly more than 1,000 feet; on the other side rises a steep mountain, which
attains an elevation of more than 5,000 feet. ‘The north, or principal branch of the Hud-
son, takes its rise in this notch, as also does the south branch of the Au Sable; the for-
mer flows south, and the latter north. These two streams rise so near each other, that
during freshets their waters mingle.

APPENDIX.

Containing a catalogue of a few of the minerals of the
2d geological district, together with an account of
two new species.

Corralloidal Sulphate of Barytes. Associated with cale spar at
Oxbow; (rare.)

Feldspar. Secondary form. Elongated in the direction of the edge
between P and M, or the primary modified by the planes s and y,
Rossie, near Grass-lake. Surfaces dull. Occurs on the surfaces
of gneiss rocks associated with a variety of quartz.

Flos Ferri, or corralloidal aragonite Parish ore bed in Rossie.

Idocrase. Color, brown. Keene, Long pond, in carbonate of
lime.

Cale Spar. Form primary, modified by replacements of its up-
per edges by 2 planes. Rossie lead mines.

Metastatique caic spar, Oxbow. Crystals large and very well
defined. Color, white and purplish.

“Pyroxene. Secondary form.
1. Pyramidi Faces o very much extended in the direction s.
The same, with the taces o contracted; u enlarged.
2. Steronome. Color green, similar to diopside.
Var. 1. Faces wu and ¢ contracted; o extended.
2 FP ehlaroed:
3. ‘ * r enlarged and extended in the direction

Locality, Keene, Long pond, Essex county.

Scapolite.

1. Primary form. Combination of modifications d and a.
Gouverneur.

2. Secondary form, class a. In this variety the planes M
are extinguished by the extension of the planesd. The
secondary form, therefore, can be distinguished only by
the inclination of the faces a. Keene, Essex county.

Azinite? Keene, Long pond.
Pseudomorphous Steatite. Gouverneur, in the form of scapolite.

152 [ AssEMBLY

Strontianite. Muscolunge lake. Occurs as a part of the matrix
to the fluor spar. Color white, pale green. In radiated masses.

Quartz. In rounded and smooth masses, from the size of a pea .
to apigeon’s egg, having the lustre and character of hyalite. These
masses seem to have been crystals which have been partially fused,
some perfectly, others softened only. These are often pene-
trated by crystals of feldspar, of the forms noticed above. Rossie,
near Grass lake. Found adhering to gneiss.

Pyramidal Atelene Picrosmine, N.S.? Hardness==2.00; specific
gravity, 2.53. Cleavage parallel to the side of a square prism, and
in the direction of it, diagonal. Lustre,faint pearly. Colors, yel-
lowish white or pale yellowish green.

This substance I discovered in Antwerp, St. Lawrence county,
associated with calc spar and foliated plumbago. It occurs in a
vein traversing granular carbonate of lime, about an inch in width.
Before the blowpipe in the external flame, it is instantly changed
into a white enamel; in the interior, it fuses readily with ebulli-
tion into a porous glass. With nitrate of cobalt, this enamel be-
comes a lively blue. As this substance possesses characters dif-
ferent from any known to me or described in books, I consider it
a new substance. If so, it comes within the order Picrosmine, of
Shepard, and genus Atelene picrosmine, and as it belongs to the
pyramidal system, it may with propriety be called Pyramidal Ate-
lene Picrosmine. For a trivial name, I propose that of Terenite,
derived from a Greek word signifying tender, which is a characte-
ristic property.

Hemi-Prismatic Tabular Spar, N. 8.1 H. =8.5, 4.0; specific
gravity, 2.874. Form oblique rhombic prism. Mon M==94°
and 86° c.g. Pon M=106° 30’. Cleavage parallel to P. Co-
lor white, yellowish white. Some varieties are dark slate color,
by intermixture with foreign matter. Fracture uneven. Corres-
ponding varieties somewhat granular. Individuals strongly cohe-
rent. Before the blowpipe, it fuses with difficulty into a white
enamel; moistened with nitrate of cobalt, it assumes a pale flesh
red. It is found in irregular masses in primitive limestone.

This substance has been always considered as soapstone or ste-
atite. As it does not present many difficulties in cutting and po-
_ jishing it, and has very much the unctuous feel of soapstone, and
has been much used-in the manufacture of inkstands. But it is
very evident that it is not the soapstone, steatite talc, or serpen-
tine of Middlefield, Blandford and New-Fane. Its crystalline
form: is different from either talc or serpentine, and it is too hard,
also, to be considered as belonging to either of those species. It
comes nearer to pyroxene than to either the tale or serpentine.
In fact, its crystalline form is almost identical with pyroxene—yet
it is too soft, and has a less specific gravity; and as I cannot find
that it agrees with any other described mineral, I propose to con-
sider it a new species, allied, on the one side to pyroxene, and
on the other, to serpentine. Its hardness and specific gravity
place it in the genus Tabular Spar, and as its form belongs to the
hemi-prismatic system, I propose to call it Hemi-Prismatic Tabu-

No. 161.] 153

dar Spar. . The trivial name I have conferred upon it, is Rensse-
daerite, in honor of the Hon. Stephen Van Rensselaer--one, who
has done as much to promote science in this country, by his pa-
. dronage, as any have done by their labors.

This substance is found in Canton, St. Lawrence county, near
the south part of the town. There are several other places
where it occurs, but here I met with the mineral first, in a cryse

tallized form.

4

{Assem. No. 161.] 20

Nate

FIRST ANNUAL REPORT.

On the Geological Survey of the Third District of
the State of New-York, by T. A. Conrad.

4

In consequence of the very limited period in which we have
been employed in a geological survey of the Third District, and
the necessity of making a rapid reconnoisance of the whole series
of rocks, in order to gain that knowledge of their general distri-
bution and order of superposition, without which detailed obser-
vations would be useless, we cannot at present add much to the
store of information already acquired by the community, which
has particular reference to practical utility. In a scientific point
of view, the rocks are of peculiar interest, and it will require
much time and minute observation to ascertain all the valuable
minerals they may contain, and what they may be expected to
yield to industry and enterprise when their relations in geological
data io European formations shall be accurately determined.—
What has hitherto been published relative to the geology of the
district, with the exception of the judicious observations of Dr.
James Eights, published in the Zodiac, has tended more to confuse
the ideas of an inquirer than to impart correct information. All
we can safely communicate at present are the outlines of the seve-
ral formations in our district, and a brief discription of some of
the most important strata, now a source of profit to individuals
and the State. In a tour of Jess than three months, which time
was necessarily: devoted to investigations of a scientific nature
over a wide area, it was not expected that the hidden resources of
the earth would be brought to light. Geological investigations are
laborious, and time only can ripen the fruits of diligent research.

This reconnoisance, therefore, being preparatory to a regular
and minute examination of the geology of our district, was chief-
ly of a scientific nature. It objects were to determine the number,

156 ° { ASSEMBLY

nature, and extent of the various rock formation, and their relation
to, and connection with, the rocks of the other districts of the
State, and to ascertain the probability of the occurrence of coal,
rock salt, and other useful minerals, the discovery of which would
justly be considered of the highest importance. In accomplishing
the objects above mentioned, our attention was particularly direc-
ted to the contained minerals and fossils, inasmuch as they are
especially important and characteristic, and serve to determine with
much accuracy the geological age and character of strata. It
was necessary in ascertaining the extent of our formations, in a
few instances to extend our researches into other districts of the
State, and, for a short distance, into Canada. :

The most striking feature in the general geological structure of
our district, is the paucity of superficial rocks of a coarse and
arenaceous texture, giving origin to meagre, unproductive soils.
Industry has converted within a few years what was an unbroken
wilderness into smiling fields of rare fertility. The broad plains
and gentle slopes yield to judicious culture a rich harvest, which
has filled the Jand with an enterprising and energetic population
and all the external signs of luxury and wealth. For these ad-
vantages we are indebted to the geological structure of the coun-
try, which consists in great measure of horizontal limestone rocks
and shales, readily disintegrating, and forming with vegetable
mould a soil of great and lasting fertility. Thus wide-spreading
plains and gentle undulations, uninterrupted by barren and rugged
hills of primary rocks, prevail throughout the western portion of
the district, and afford a range of arable land almost unparalleled
for fertility and continuous extent. Whatever rocks or minerals
are here included, owing to the position of the strata, are all at
points easy of access beneath the surface, although the same cause
is unfavourable to a great variety of such products. These ad-
vantages should in a measure, reconcile us to the privation of coal,
which generally occurs in districts to which Nature has denied the
fertility and manifold sources of wealth, so liberally bestowed up-
on a large proportion of the State.

The Third District may: be conveniently divided into four sec-
tions, each characterized by rocks of a different nature, and there-
fore modified and varying from each other in soils, natural scenery
and capability of improvement.

No, 161.] . 157

> =

North of the Erie canal, a line drawn nearly north and south
through Lewis and Oneida counties, separate the limestones and
slates of the east from.the gray and variegated sandstones and-
brine springs of the west. The canal follows the boundary line
west of Utica, between two dissimilar formations; that on the
north consisting chiefly of sandstones, and that on the south being
a series of limestones of various qualities, which form a sloping
escarpment or step, falling gradually to the comparatively low
level of the country occupied by muriatiferous marls and variega-
ted sandstones, the last of which extend from the Oswego to Ni-
agara river.

The first of these natural divisions, or the lowest in the series of
rocks above the primary, compose parts of Montgomery and Her-
kimer counties, and is the least fertile of the three sections, in con-
sequence of the hilly country which has resulted from a disturbed
stratification, and the proximity of a primary axis. These rocks
are considerably inelined, and dip to the southwest, resembling
the ocean waves in their disturbances and continuous undulations,
They rise into rugged hills on the north, and repose unconforma-
bly on a ridge of gneiss, where they are most elevated, near their
western boundary, and on the highly inclined edges of sandstones
and slates on the east, which are characterised by the same organic
remains with the unconformable overlying strata.

The sandstone series, on the contrary, or the second division, is
undisturbed and horizontal, with a more level surface and a better
soil. The rocks are generally concealed beneath the limestones
on the south of the Erie canal, but frequently on the north they
come to the surface, and have modified the soil which borders
Lake Ontario, for at least one hundred and fifty miles in length
and from eight to twenty in breadth,

The third division is celebrated for its fertility and beauty, with
long and gentle slopes, extensive valleys and magnificent lakes,
and contains all the gypsum beds, ornamental marble of the varie-
gated kinds, and the most extensive and valuable water lime strata
in the State.

The fourth division, termed * pyritiferous rocks,” by Mr. Ea-
ton, occupies the southwestern portion of the district, and consists
chiefly of shales more or less indurated, containing but a small pro-
portion of carbonate of lime. They support a less fertile soil than
the strata of the third division, which seems due to the scanty sup-

158 . _ [Assemsiy
GS

ply of the calcareous earth, and without doubt the use of lime and
gypsum would render the soil capable of producing wheat crops
equal to any in the State. We speak only of those portions of the
formation which we have cursorily examined, there may be places
where the superficial stratum is more calcareous and the soil of
better quality, but the rocks where we had an opportunity to ob-
tain specimens, did not effervesce with acids, except in one or two
localities, and then very slightly.

This slight sketch is intended to give a general view of the dif-
ferent subdivisions of one vast group, all deposited at different geo-
logical epochs, and varying from each other in organic contents
and mineral character. All of them appear at the surface in some
portion of their range, and thus from their various compositions, a
diversity of soils has resulted favorable to a variety of crops. A
farmer need only ascertain the constituent materials of his soils, in:
which he will often be assisted by an examination of the neighbor-
ing rocks, to ascertain what crops will be most likely to repay his
labor, and what manures will be most suitable to melioriate or en-
rich his soil. A knowledge of the range of these subdivisions, will
often enable us to ascertain where certain rocks of great value for
architectural purposes may be quarried at certain depths beneath
the superficial deposite of clay, sand or gravel, and will also save
us the useless labor of searching for them where geology teaches
us they cannot be found. ‘Thus we would in vain expect to find the
gray limestone of Onondaga and Auburn beneath the gypsum beds
or the blue limestone of Trenton Falls, or the iron stratum of
Wolcott, so valuable in many distant localities, above the gypsum
or below the dark slates of the Mohawk valley. In all doubtful
cases of superposition, where one rock cannot be traced in connex-
ion with others of the series, and such, in localities where the stra-
tification is much disturbed, continually occur, we have recourse,
if there be any, to organic remains which have been carefully
studied and compared where the rocks are horizontal and the or-
der of superposition obvious.

GNEIss.

In the Mohawk valley, we first meet with this rock, travelling
westward, near the hills called the Noses, in the town of Root,
Montgomery county, and again at Little-Falls in Herkimer county,
at which latter place it forms the most prominent part of Fall hill.
These ridges of gneiss are a prolongation of the northern primary

No. 161.} 159

-

chain, contracting in width and decreasing in elevation, until they
are finally lost beneath the sedimentary rocks south of the Mo-
hawk valley. At the Noses, about two miles west of Spraker’s
basin, the gneiss is seen at the base of the hills which have been
here cut through by the Mohawk river. The banks on each side
present nearly perpendicular faces, and consist of a calcareous
sandstone in the upper part resting upon gneiss, which latter rock
rises to an elevation of about 40 feet above the level of the river.
It is here finely exposed by recent blasting for the passage of the
rail-road from Schenectady to Utica. It is a beautiful variety of
gneiss, of a gray color and slaty structure, and contains an abun-
dance of elegant pink colored garnets. The river slope of the rail-
road embankment at this point is faced with this rock. At the
village of Little-Falls, the Erie canal has been carried through the
primary, about two miles, nearly the whole distance of which re-
quired blasting. The gneiss is elevated on each side of the Mo-
hawk, leaving only a passage on each side for the canal and rail-
road, and is here of a hard and compact texture, composed princi-
pally of feldspar and quartz, with but little mica. The color is
reddish, green and grey; the strata are regular, dipping at an
angle of 10° to the east. The rock divides into large square or
oblong blocks, which are broken with difficulty, and are not easily
dressed, but are evidently of a most durable quality. We noticed
a number of stores and other buildings in the village of Little-Falls,
built with this material, which, however, cannot be wrought SO
readily as the limestones which are found on each side of the
mountain ridge.

An interesting phenomenon may here be witnessed, calculated
to throw light on the original formation of the Mohawk valley.
The river has evidently been at a much higher level than it now .
occupies, and the falls must have receded very considerably through
this hard rocky ridge, assisted by the parallel fissures, without
which the rocks must have been far less destructible. Cavities,
familiarly termed “pot-holes,’”’ worn by the rotary action of peb-
bles in the currents of a former period, may be noticed far above
the present level of the river, frequently three or more feet in di-
ameter and as many in depth, the internal surface smooth, and the
aperture, which is frequently of a diameter less than that of the
interior, always with an upward exposure. We have noticed in
the vicinity of other falls, similar water-worn cavities, and some-
times of greater size, but not in such numbers.

160 . [AsseMBhyY

To those who admire the sombre but sublime scenery of a moun-
tain pass, we would recommend the vicinity of Little-Falls. Naked
gray rocks, crested with forest trees, are imaged with a beautiful
reality in the still water of the canal, which renders a stroll along
its bank, on a lovely summer or mild autumnal evening, a source
of heartfelt enjoyment. The Mohawk pours its glittering waters
among tabular masses of grey rocks, which, like an antique ruin,
remind us of by-gone centuries; the mantle of summer foliage is
kept ever of the freshest hue by gentle showers of spray. The
song of the bird+the horn of the boatman—the cheerful voices of
numerous passengers on the canal—give an animation to the spot,
strongly contrasted with the wild and sombre character of the
scenery around,

SECTION I.

1. Calcareous Sandstone of the Mohawk valley.

The first rock which appears above the gneiss in our district, is
the ‘ecalciferous sandrock” of Mr. Eaton, which may be traced,
with few interruptions, along the high ridges and bold shores of
the Mohawk river on the north, from Saratoga county to a short
distance west of Little-Falls. The general inclination is 4 or 5°
to SW, which causes the rock to be generally lost to observation
to the south of the Mohawk, except upon the immediate bank of
the river and that of the canal, whilst it rises with the hills on the
opposite shore, frequently however concealed by limestone. Dis-
locations, or faults and curves in the stratification, are common,
and we infer that the rock is nearly contemporaneous in geologi-
cal date with the limestones and shales which overlie it, in conse-
quence of its conformable position to them, and the identity of or-
ganic remains in all the strata of the series to the superior termi-
nation of the blue limestones and shales of Trenton-Falls. This
sandstone we have ascertained to rest unconformably on gneiss,
being nearly horizontal, where the primary is contorted and high-
ly inclined, in the vicinity of Yatesville, on the Erie canal. It is
remarkable for its numerous small cavities, lined with anthracite,
quartz, crystals and calcareous spar, the quartz frequently colored
of a dark hue by admixture with the former mineral. The entire
thickness of this rock may be seen at Little-Falls, near Yatesville,
and opposite Spraker’s basin in Montgomery county. At the late .
ter locality, search was made for coal in this sandstone, where it
abounds in small masses of anthracite, and the fragments which

No. 161.] “161

cover the escarpment, attest the fruitless industry of deluded in-
dividuals. In many places, vast quantity of debris may be seen,
consisting of small angular fragments, a mode of disintegration
common to all the rock in the vicinity of gneiss. These fragments
appear as if they had been broken up by the hammer, are hard
and difficult to break, and may be used with advantage in repair-
ing roads. No better material can be obtained within a moderate
distance, except perhaps the gneiss of Little-Falls. In many lo-
calities, the calcareous sandstone alternate with a gray shale, ex-
tremely friable and full of obscure traces of fossils, among which
isotelus alone can be recognized: It contains small concretions of
whitish limestone, about the size of a winter pea, near the village ©
of Canajoharie. ‘The sandstone is of a granular texture, passing
from fine to coarse, and varies much in its composition. In some
instances, it contains but a'small proportion of lime, and is then a
solid compact rock, and breaks into large square masses. This form
is finely displayed at the ‘‘South Nose,” on the Erie canal, about
two miles east of Canajoharie. It here contains small cavities
filled with anthracite, quartz crystals and brown spar. The rock
also embraces large irregular masses of dark hornstone, which on
East Canada creek is remarkable for its small annular markings,
resembling an organic structure. Along the Erie canal, from Am-
sterdam to East Canada creek, this rock is of a siliceous texture,
but generally not so compact as at the Noses. It occurs in nearly
horizontal strata, and is easily broken out into large masses.
West of the primary range of Little-Falls, we noticed this rock
at Middleville and Newport, in the bed of West Canada creek,
containing in cavities anthracite, brown spar, and very numerous
and beautiful quartz crystals. In a northwesterly direction from
the last mentioned places, it is shortly seen to pass under the dark
blue fossiliferous limestone which forms the lower portion of Tren-
ton-Falls. On East Canada creek, near Manheim, a very interest-
ing fault occurs, which the geological student will find well worthy
of attentive cxamination. The sandstone at the falls has been
broken by a downheave, leaving a vertical wall, against which
the superincumbent slate inclines at an angle of about 33°, but in
a short distance gradually recovers its usual slight~inclination to
SW. The southern limit of this fault is the south bank of the
Erie canal, nearly opposite Manheim, where the slate which has
been sunk in the downheave was thrown out during the excava-
* tion of the canal. At the northern wall of the fault, where the

[Assem, No. 161.] 21

162 [ASSEMBLY

slate joins the sandstone, a vein of sulphuret of lead has been dis-
covered, which is now in possession of a few German miners. Its
size we could not ascertain, as the workmen were unwilling to ad-
mit any visitors into the excavation, and were also indisposed to
give any information upon the subject.

With regard to the useful purposes to which this rock may be
applied, we consider it to be well adapted to the construction of
dwellings in which expensive or ornamental materials are not re-
quired, and where it occurs in thin layers, for flagging or door
stones. Near its eastern limit on the Mohawk, it becomes some-
what argillaceous, and is extensively used for making hydraulic
cement, which is said to be equal in quality to any in the western
counties. Masses of this rock which have been exposed fora long
time to atmospheric agents, are noticed to have lost their calcare-
ous parts, so that the surface is rough, and upon inspection, is seen
to be composed entirely of siliceous particles.

2. Bastard Limestone.

The next description of rock succeeding the calcareous sand-
stone, is an irregular mixture of the latter with grey limestone,
known as the “‘sparry limerock” of Eaton, and which we shall
next describe. The bastard limestone, by which name the quar-
rymen distinguish it, is of a mottled appearance, occurring in lay-
ers from six inches to two feet thick, and when it has been long
exposed to the seasons, the surface exibits irregular projecting
ridges of siliceous matter, which are disposed in a confused man-
ner, frequently across each other, and resemble fucoids, or other
fossil remains. This appearance is noticed particularly on the
edges of the layers, and is a good evidence of durability in the
more siliceous varieties of the rock. Although used for buildings,
it does not work so readily as the grey limestone which overlies
it, but it is extensively employed for flagging stones. The lime
which it furnishes upon being burned, is sandy, and therefore it is
not much used for this purpose. We noticed quarries of this rock
at Amsterdam, also near the mouth of Schoharie creek, at the ca-
nal, and at Canajoharie, in all of which places it occurs in thick
layers, and convenient for the purpose of quarrying.

3. Gray Sparry Limestone of the Mohawk Valley.

The next overlying rock in the series, and which we consider de-
cidedly the best for architectural purposes, is of a gray or slightly

No. 161.] / | 163

bluish color, compact, with a clean conchoidal! fracture, and glitter-
ing with small sparry points and veins. Considered as a rock, it is.
a pure limestone, containing organic remains in very few instances.
It is extremely durable, and scarcely affected by atmospheric ex-
posure, and occurs in layers from two to four feet in thickness. It
usually accompanies the calcareous sandstone in our district, be-
ing thickest where it overlies and faces the primary near Little-
Falls, where in a ravine 30 feet are exposed in a nearly perpendi-
cular section, and it thins out and disappears in its eastern prolon-
gation on the line of the canal. The gray sparry limestone, is, we
believe, that which is termed “ sparry limerock” by Eaton. In its
pure state, we noticed it at Amsterdam, in the quarries about two
miles north of the village; at Tribes’ Hill and at Canajoharie, from
which latter place it is sent to Utica, Albany and other cities,
where it is esteemed as a valuable building material, making hand-
some columns, &c.

4. Blue Fatid Limestones and Shales of Trenton- Falls.

To the sparry limestone succeed dark blue limestones and
shales, the whole mass probably about four hundred feet in thick-
“ness, composing the summits of most of the slopes which descend
to the valley of the Mohawk, in Herkimer and part of Montgome-
ry counties. ‘The rock is here chiefly a fissile slate, but as it pass--
es to the north, it assumes, as at Trenton-Falls, the character of a
dark blue very hard fetid limestone, crowded with organic exuvie,
chiefly bivalve shells and fragments of trilobites. The rock has
here been cut through by a branch of West Canada creek, which
thus, ina succession of beautiful cascades, leaps through a deep
gorge between perpendicular black walls. The wild grandeur of
the scene has given it peculiar attractions for the fashionable tou-
rist, and the organic remains will always add an additional charm
to the spot, in the estimation of a geologist. These are the same
species which characterize the upper mass of the dark slate on Flat
creek, in Montgomery county, near Spraker’s basin. The slate is
frequently traversed by veins of calcareous spar, which appear

to have filled the narrow parallel fissures, universally prevalent i in
this and many other rocks.

On Flat creek, about one mile south of Spraker’s basin, we ob-
served three vertical veins of iron pyrites, mixed with calcareous
spar, in which sulphuret of lead is disseminated in small masses.
This phenomenon tends strongly to confirm the acute observation

mR,

164 [ AssEMBLY

of my colleague, Mr. Vanuxem, that metallic veins owe not their
origin to igneous injection, but to the segregation of metallic parti-
cles, originally embraced in the surrounding rocks. A vein has
been wholly exhausted and obliterated, but the probability of dis-
covering a larger or more productive one in this locality, is such,
that we would not wish to discourage the attempt. The rock is
compact and difficult to break in the immediate vicinity of these
veins, but it is elsewhere, on the creek, very generally fissile.

Proceeding up stream, in a southerly direction, we soon arrive at
a beautiful water-fall, where the vertical black rocks remind the
spectator of the similar gorge at Trenton-Falls, scooped out of
strata of the same geological date. The recks of this series were
deposited in the bed of the first oceanic waters which, in the revo-
lutions of our globe, were crowded with various forms of animal
life. Shells, chiefly bivalve, trilobites, and zoophytic animals, ex-
isted in such numbers, that their exuvize have materially contri-
buted to swell the vast bulk of mountain masses, and to add to the
beauty and value of marbles, whose elegant variegated surface is
chiefly due to the presence of organic remains. ‘This portion of
the series, however, in our district, does not afford such regular
strata, nor furnish such large masses, as the gray sparry limestone,
and is therefore not so extensively used for building. It burns into
excellent lime, and is employed principally for that purpose. At
Tribes’ Hill where it occurs quite pure, and in thick layers, it is
quarried for buildings, canal bridges and other purposes. About
three miles north of Amsterdam we find it quite pure, compact and
durable, and very suitable for a building material.

This rock is developed in its greatest thickness in the north-cast-_
ern portion of Oneida county, gradually thinning out and finally
disappearing in its south-eastern prolongation. North of Trenton-
Falls there is a capping of gray crinoidal limestone, but we are
as yet ignorant of its precise character and limits.

SECTION II.

1. Gray Sandstones and Shales of Salmon River.

The next series of rocks in the ascending order, comprising nu-
merous alternating layers of gray sandstone and dark lead colored
friable shale, are in our district only visible to any extent, in Oswe-
go county, where they are exhibited in fine sections of the banks of

No. 161.] 165

Salmon river, at Pulaski, near its junction with Lake Ontario, but
more especially at the fall in the town of Orwell, about ten miles
from Pulaski. A vertical section is here presented to the observer
of 107 feet in height, over which the water falls in an unbroken
mass, the most grand and imposing of all the minor cataracts in
the State. The rock is here of excellent quality for architectural
purposes, being compact and fine grained, of a beautiful uniform
tint, inclining to green, and we can scarcely doubt that it will
prove more durable and ornamental than any variety of the super-
incumbent sandstones. Excellent flagging stones may be obtained
in inexhaustible abundance, and near the fall is a quarry, noted for
the excellence of the grindstones, which are made of this material,
and sent to various parts of the Union, as well as into Canada.
Organic remains are rare in the upper mass; a few indistinct shells
and fucoids on the surface of one or two layers being all that we
observed, but in the lower portion of the mass, where it approaches
the preceding limestone series at Pulaski, layers of limestone alter-
nate with the shale, both crowded with shells and fucoids. It is
worthy of notice, that asa groupe, these fossils are very dissimilar
to those of the Trenton-Falls series of rocks on which they repose;
and also to those of the superincumbent red or variegated sand-
stones, which on the received principles of modern geology, obli-
ges me to separate this formation from those above and below it,
assigning to it an independent distinctive character, ‘‘a local habi-
tation and a name.” Mr. Eaton has termed it ‘second grey-
wacke,”’ but confounds under this head, rocks of very different age
and character, for which reason we have chosen the simple appel-
lation of gray sandstone, referring to the locality where it is best
exposed to observation. Layers of a red color are never seen in
any part of the series of strata composing the formation. As the
strata of limestone of this formation are the only rocks which can
be converted into lime, between the Salmon and Niagara rivers,
and between the Erie canal and Lake Ontario, except in the imme-
diate vicinity of the canal, they deserve attention; more espécial-
ly as lime would be of essential service to the soils of this nee 10m.

The principal layer we noticed, is just above the level of the river,

at Pulaski, and measures ten inches in thickness. Some layers of
the slaty rock effervesce slightly with acids, others do not; the
more compact variety is extensively used for buildings in Pulaski.
The rock is here characterized in some of its layers by a species of
mytilus, in great numbers, slightly resembling the common sea
muscle of the coast, (modiola dernissa,) but much broader and flat-

=~

166 [ ASSEMBLY

ter; and whenever found in place, it will always enable the ob-
server who is familiar with the species, to recognize the formation
to which it exclusively belongs. This rock occasionally appears,
embracing strata of limestone, west of Oswego; and sections may
be observed at the village of Wolcott, Wayne county, anda few
other places, where the red sandstone does not exist, having thin-
ned out and disappeared in the direction of Lake Ontario. Near
Clinton, in Oneida county, there is a siliceous conglomerate, dip-
ping at an angle of 10° toS. W., which is either a portion of this
formation, or of the next above it, but time has not yet been given
to the investigation of its true relative position.

2. Red or Variegated Sandstone of Niagara River.

We have chosen this name because it is descriptive of the only
sandstone developed in the course of the Niagara river, and there-
fore cannot be misunderstood by those who have seen it in that in-
teresting locality. This widely distributed series of red and gray
sandstones and shales has been termed “ saliferous rock” by Eaton,
but it is by no means proved that it contains salt, although the
brine springs certainly sink into its fissures, and may traverse the
horizontal strata to a great distance from the original source of
the springs. Another objection to the term saliferous in geology,
would be the occurrence of rock salt in formations of various geo-
logical date. The sandstones and shales of Ohio, through which
the brine is drawn, described by Dr. Hildreth, belong to the bitu-
minous coal series, and are of much more recent date than the
sandstones and shales of Niagara and Genesee rivers.

The rocks of this formation extend from a line drawn nearly
north and south through Lewis and Oneida counties, to Niagara
river. They are bounded on the north by the waters of Lake On-
tario, except in places where the subordinate rocks appear on the
surface, and are very generally uncovered in ravines and water-
courses north of the Erie canal. On the south of the canal they
are rarely seen, except where they approach the primary rocks,
and they are covered generally by lofty hills of a more recent
date. They evidently rise towards the gneiss range, and become
more nearly horizontal the further they recede from it, until they
approach the Pennsylvania line, where they are again tilted off to
the south. ‘This formation is very interesting, in consequence of
the peculiar and uniform nature of its organic remains, which un-
fortunately have never been studied by those who have hitherto

No. 161.] 167

attempted to classify the rocks which they eminently characterize.
Consequently, judging from deceptive mineral analogy, the forma-
tion has been referred by some geologists to the New, by others
to the Old red sandstone of Europe, with neither of which does it
bear the remotest analogy in the contained organic remains, or in
its relation to other rocks. Indeed it is far below the strata which
Mr. Richard C. Taylor, with great appearance of probability, re-
fers to the old red sandstone, and which are wanting in the third
district. This conclusion, warranted by numerous data, is of great
importance, because it bears directly on the question regarding the
existence of coal veins, and any attempt to discover them within
the range of this sandstone would necessarily prove abortive. The
fossils, though few in species, are of the most characteristic kind,
and enable us confidently to identify certain rocks in Pennsylvania
and Virginia, and their relative position with regard to associated
strata when developed in deiail, will prove a most important guide
to the miner in his future operations.

On the Organic Remains of the Red Sandstone. f ed

It is curious to observe the maaner in which the bed of an ane «ide

cient sea has been gradually filled up by detrital matter, sand be-
ing deposited at one time by a particular movement of the waters,
and mud being brought from another quarter by different currents.
Ripple marks, which are an infallible evidence of shoal water,
prove that many of the layers were deposited in the bed of a shal-
low sea. They are so perfectly preserved on the uppermost or
last formed stratum of gray sandstone near Medina, ihat we could
trace the direction in which the currents that produced them flow-
ed. Upon this surface there is a beautiful fossil, which consists of |
stems or branches joined in a reticulated manner, and having un-
dulated lateral root-like fibres.* This fossil is spread over a con-
siderable space, and I noticed that in some instances it followed the

undulations of the ripple marks: it was therefore pliable and pro- :

bably moored by its root-like fibres to a sandy bed, over which a
current of water ran, producing such impressions as we see caused
by tidal currents on a sand bar.

Ripple marks are not confined to this surface, but may be seen
on amuch larger scale, as if the current which caused them had
been more violent, many feet lower, in the bank of the Oak Or-

* Of this I propose to construct a genus, under the name of Lithodictuon, and to
name the species, in compliment to my friend, Dr. T. R, Beck, L. Beckii.

:
}
%
4

168 [ ASsEmMBLY

chard creek. They may be. viewed to most advantage on a rock
forming the floor of a mill, just below the fall at Medina. We
have seen similar marks very distinctly impressed on a rock pass-
ing under the Helderberg mountain.

The most striking feature in these sandstones and shales, is the
vast abundance of fucoid, or marine plants, particularly that spe-
cies termed Fucoides Brongniartia by Dr. Harlan. These pene-
trate every portion of the shale which constitutes the upper por-
tion of the mass, and upon the surface of the sandstone layers as
well as of the shales, they project in bold relief, like Gothic
tracery, although their most delicate transverse striz are seldom
well preserved, owing to the perishable nature of the strata in
which they occur. ‘Testaceous remains are seldom found where
fucoids are numerous, but immediately beneath the strata contain-
ing them, fresh water and marine shells abound in a limited space.
This is one of the most ancient fresh water deposites on the globe,
occurring in the form of three narrow approximate veins filled with
Cyclostoma, Planorbis and Unios, and with marine depositions above
and beneath them. ‘They seem to have been transported by gentle
currents to their present site, as the univalves perfectly preserve
their integrity of form, but the valves of the unios are disunited.
They occur below the fall in the banks of Oak Orchard creek at
Medina. Mingled with these, we find a few specimens of Lingu-
la, which just below are profusely disseminated through the rock,
and still retaining their pearly testaceous nature, they give to the
pale greenish sandstone a beautifully variegated appearance, when
the rock is broken by the hammer, and a fresh surface is exposed.
Among the fresh water shells we noticed fragments of the marine
genus Orthocera, filled with univalves.

The section of strata over which the cascade at Medina falls,
presents a fine illustration of the action of contrary currents. All
the larger layers are variegated with stripes of different hue, ob-
lique to the plane of stratification, dipping at various angles and
in different strata to opposite points of the compass, similar to
those we observe in clay and sand deposites of recent formation.

Other fine sections of variegated sandstone are furnished by the
Genesee river, north of Rochester, in the vicinity of the two low-
er falls. The cliffs are perpendicular on both sides of the river,
and the margin of the water is strewed with immense quantities

No. 161.] 169

of debris, forming a sloping talus. The lively and contrasted co-
lors of the sandstone add to the picturesque beauty of the third
fall, near Carthage, and the vast chasm, with its mural precipices
attests the mighty agency of a cataract, which, by disintegrating
its rocky bed, slowly recedes up the stream and scoops out a deep
gorge of several miles in length. The two lower falls of the Ge:
nesee are far less elevated than the upper one near Rochester,
which is 96 feet in height, projecting at the summit, and thus cast-
ing a grand unbroken mass of water to a considerable distance from
the base of the rock. This difference in the falls is owing to the
nature of the strata, which, at the two lower cascades, are com-
posed of sandstones and slates, many of the layers being friable
and readily yielding to the force of the current, whilst the great
cataract has receded until it met a limestone extremely hard and
compact. This has protected the slates and sandstones beneath,
and now prevents the bed of the river from being worn away with
the rapidity of former times. This operation, however, will be
facilitated by a measure now contemplated of giving a greater
inclination to the bed of the river above the fall, in order to per-
mit the water in time of freshets to subside more rapidly than at
present. In its manner of retrocession this fall closely resembles
those of Niagara, which, as was first observed by Mr. Eaton, must
recede more and more tardily the nearer they approach to lake
Erie, in consequence of the greater thickness of limestone, which
every new fracture will expose. ‘The same strata have been di-
vided both by the Niagara and Genesee rivers; allowing for the
difference in size and extent, the gorges are very similar, and the
falls of both rivers commenced their career at the same geological
epoch, when, in consequence of the rupture of its ancient barrier,
Lake Ontario subsided to its present level. On the Genesee the
lowest rocks consist of the predominating red variety of the vari-
egated sandstone, of which about 80 feet are exposed. It is com-
posed generally of a mass of nodules of various sizes, alternating
with layers of more compact rock, and the former is so friable that
a slight touch is sufficient to detach a mass from the cliff. The
summit of the sandstone is composed of a gray variety, about four
feet thick, termed ‘‘ Gray Band” by Mr. Eaton, some portions of
which very slightly effervesce with acids. Among the innumerable
fragments of sandstone which constitute a portion of the talus be-
neath, Fucoides Brongniarti occurs, the species common at Medina
and Oswego, and characteristic of the same series of strata in Penn-
[Assem. No. 161.] 22

170 [AssEMBLY

sylvania and Virginia, linking them beautifully into one chain of
contemporaneous deposites, though now widely separated geogra-
phically, and thrown by convulsions into various angles, elevations
and depressions.

We learn that a considerable alteration of position, and wearing
away of the third fall of the Genesee, near Carthage, has taken
place within a period of 30 years. Ata future, though distant pe-
riod, unless artificial means be resorted to for the purpose of pre-
venting their retrocession, the second and third falls must ultimate-
ly be lost by the disappearance of the rocks which support them,
even whilst the great fall shall not be far removed from its present
site. There will then be one cataract of extreme interest and
beauty, equal in height to those of Niagara, and from its isolated
character, more imposing ina high stage of the water than the for-
mer. ‘These falls afford a hydraulic power equal, as Gordon states,
to ‘1,920 steam engines of 20 horse power each.” So greata
body of water cannot but exert a most powerful energy in the dis-
integration of rocks, whose particles, united by argillaceous ce-
ment, readily separate when exposed to the action of moisture and
frost.

Mineral character, &c. of the Red Sandstone.

The sandstone layers of this formation are quarried in various
places for the ordinary purposes of architecture, and some quarries
yield a material adapted for hearth stones, and used for this pur-
pose in the furnaces near Lake Ontario. Thatnear Wolcott, Wayne
county, is supplied with hearth stones from a quarry in the city of
Oswego, where lower in the series the sandstone appears of a
greenish and gray colour, is extensively quarried, and several large
store-houses, mills and dwellings have been constructed of this
greenish rock, which is of an agreeable colour, appears to be ea-
sily dressed, and forms buildings of respectable appearance. At
the falls of Oswego the red sandstone is abundant, of a coarse tex-
ture, and does not appear to be much used at present. Lines of
cleavage oblique to the plane of stratification, are here very obvi-
ous. ‘The upper layers consist of a coarse conglomerate or pud-
ding stone. We cannot say much in favor of the durability. of
rocks of this formation, and therefore in the construction of bridg-
es and aqueducts, where exposure to the action of frost and water .
is very great, no variety of it should ever be used, as the limestones
are every way preferable. This has been amply tested by the di-

No. 161.] i7]

lapidated state of the aqueduct at Rochester, constructed of red
sandstone, whilst the limestone masonry of locks and aqueducts
preserves its integrity in every instance, through all vicissitudes
of climate. As Mr. Hitchcock has remarked of the red sandstone
of Massachusetts, the reddest varieties of the rock in question are
most subject to disintegration. The sandstone near the top of the
series, alternates with red shale, both containing Fucoides allegha-
niersis, the shale seeming to be a mass of them cemented by argil-
laceous and ferruginous earths. )

West of the primary range and north of the Erie canal, a denu-
dation of superior strata has greatly reduced the original level of
the country, and bared the sandstone rocks, which every where in
this region have given a character to the soils, corresponding to
the proportion of the varying constituents of the strata. In some
places the predominance of argillaceous earth in the shales, which
occupy a position at and near the surface, has caused a reddish clay
loam to prevail; in others, the soil is decidedly sandy, and every
where there is a deficiency of carbonate of lime. Last of Oswego
river, there is a sandy zone or ridge, marked by the predominance
of pine among its forest trees, which some observers have suppos-
ed to be a continuation of the celebrated ridge road; but it has no
claims to the well defined and uniform character of that curious
highway. It might, however, originally have existed, and been
subsequently modified or partially destroyed by inundations, which,
since the partial drainage of Lake Ontario, have certainly, in many
places, obliterated all traces of its ancient shore.

This formation comprises the only series of strata in the district
which is entirely deficient in limestone layers or calcareous shales,
and the entire thickness is probably not more than 200 feet.

On the use of Lime as a Manure.

In consequence of the general absence of calcareous earth in all
the soil of this region, or the little they may contain being derived
from the few pebbles and limestone gravel on the surface, the ag-
ricuiture of this portion of the State needs the fertilizing agency
of lime to render it equal in productiveness to the more favored
districts. This inestimable material may be brought at little ex-
pense from some of the ports on the lake, where it abounds, or
from the Erie canal district, by the way of the Oswegocanal. In
the latter case, it would be cheaper to erect kilns on the banks of
the Oswego river or canal, where the neighboring forests furnish

172 | ASSEMBLY

an abundant supply of wood, and limestone of excellent quality can
be procured from quarries in the vicinity of Syracuse.

An indifference to, or want of credence in, this mode of improv-
ing soil, is unfortunately gereral throughout all portions of the dis-
trict, and may often originate in the supposition that calcareous
earth enters largely into the composition of the natural surface.
This is never the case north of the Erie canal, and only occurs in
a limited areaonthe south. A satisfactory proof of the efficiency
of carbonate of lime may be cited in the following instance. A
farmer near Genesee mistook for gypsum, ashaly limestone, which
he caused to be ground and extensively used, in his neighborhood,
when it was pronounced superior to the best Wheatland or Cayu-
ga plaster. The great abundance of well preserved fossil shells
which accompanied this rock, proves that it was limestone and not
gypsum, because in the latter, we find no trace of organic remains,
although the strata, both above and beneath it, often abound in
shells.

No doubt when limestones are friable or shaly, and readily reduc-
ed to powder by mechanical means, as in the case cited above, the
expense of burning would be rendered unnecessary, because the use
of calcareous marls applied to the soil in the same condition as they
are found in the earth, proves that calcination is not necessary to
render limestone a fertilizing agent of great and enduring efficacy.
Thus shaly limestones may either be ground in. the plaster mills,
or scattered over the fields, where the frosts of a single winter
would reduce them to a state of subdivision adequate to supply the
wants of vegetation, and enrich the soil.

: Brine Springs.

Over the surface of the Niagara sandstone nearly all the numer-
ous brine springs of the district flow, but the origin of these springs
is still involved in obscurity. Our researches in the salt region
were of a general nature, and intended to determine the extent
and appearances of the muriatiferous rocks, so far as they were de-
veloped on the surface and their relation to the older or inferior
rocks upon which they repose, in order to ascertain the probabili-
ty of the existence of salt in a solid state. The importance of
rock salt to the State of New-York, is most clearly presented in
the report of the Secretary of State to the Legislature of New-
York, January, 1836. The same report also contains references

No. 173.] 173

and statements, tending to establish the probability of its existence
in our district, which, however, no observations of ours have con-
firmed.

The general occurence of gypsum and rock salt in association
in various parts of Europe, would naturally induce us to look for
the occurrence of the latter mineral in the salt region of this State,
which abounds with gypsum, especially in the vicinity of the salt
springs of Onondaga county. In the various borings made for
brine and rock salt, near Onondaga lake, no gypsum of any amount
appears to have been met with in passing through the muriatife-
rous strata, although the brine contains this mineral as one of its
impurities. On the west side of Cayuga lake, gypsum occurs in a
hill in close proximity to a saline spring, the former being distant
about 50 yards from the latter, which is situated in a swamp. The
gypsum in our district oceurs at a higher level than the strata
which contain the salt springs, the former occupying hills, whilst
the latter appear in low swampy grounds. We are not of opi-
nion that the two deposites are independent of each other, as in
boring for salt water at Montezuma, the well penetrated beds of
red and blue shale, similar to that which occurs at Salina, and also
passed through several layers of gypsum, one of which was in im-
mediate contact with the brine.

Those rocks which hold the gypsum, ‘‘the calciferous” and
‘‘liasoid” of Eaton, having been found to contain cavities, which,
from their form, we infer to have contained crystals of muriate of
soda, may possibly have contributed their share to the saline im-
pregnation of the springs, and are well worthy of minute atten-
tion, as they will probably solve the problem regarding the occur-
rence of rock salt in mass.

We are indebted to Dr. James Hights of Albany, for the follow-
ing section of the different strata passed through in boring at Mon-
tezuma. Dr. Eights was present at the time the well was sunk,
examined and recorded the character of each stratum as it was
penetrated, and preserved specimens of each, particularly of the
gypsum. Some of these specimens we have examined.

Section of the Well at Montezuma.

oe F Feet.
1. A layer of vegetable decomposition having a thick-

BYE Ce ete Roi rate bia. ke owe abe a ween celeeuas 8

13.

14.
15.

16.

174 [ ASSEMBLY

Quicksand. This stratum embraced salt water which
increased in quantity as the shaft descended. The
water yielded about five ounces of salt to the

GallON, owe oes d sobs le sibiabelee ce ecw ecules evelele

. Fine grained, soft, chocolate-colored muriatiferous

clay, @eeoe oreo reese seoee eet eoeoe zaeveeer seeoever Ce

. Very hard, reddish brown, muriatiferous clay, inter-

mingled with pebbles of various kinds, belonging
principally to the older formations, ........ 0.0.

. Muriatiferous clay of a chocolate color, .......e0..
. Similar in every respect to No. 4.. Among the nu-

merous pebbles it contained, was found a mass of
granite weighing about 500 pounds, found at a dis-
tance of more than 70 feet from the surface,....

. Muriatiferous clay of a bright pale blue color, con-

taining transparent crystals of gypsum disseminat-
ed throughout the Mass, . es .vsie vee Sect webe''s

. A stratum of brown muriatiferous clay, interspersed

with crystals of gypsum, 2.16 sees coccee coecnes

. A layer of dark colored gypsum....00- 000 eescees
. Blue muriatiferous clay, embracing crystals of gyp-

sum of a reddish tinge,.... «ti es eis ok seen

. Red muriatiferous clay, containing crystals of gyp-

sum of the same coloric 0s. .s o05.0)a'p on esa e ey

. Blue muriatiferous clay, containing numerous veins of

- reddish gypsum running in various directions.—
Near its centre, it embraced a layer of compact
gypsum, cight inches thick, «0+ «eas s00s osseces

Red and blue variegated muriatiferous clay, abound-
ing in large sized crystals of gypsum, having a
reddish :tingess ds ices dGins cvivta’s 40-0) Dedeebeh
A stratam, of (2y psu vic sergeeaiaiss pao ede aie hae

A compact muriatiferous clay, varying occasionally .

from a light to a deep blue color, and embracing
gypsum in crystals of some considerable size,....
A stratum of translucent gypsum. From beneath
this, the strongest brine was obtained, issuing from
seams in a stratum of reddish muriatiferous clay
of unknown thickness, oa0.< 49 s:enss scnene ss

Feet.

21

00.8

15

ee

No. 161.] 175

It will be proper here to remark, that salt water was found in
connexion with the whole of the strata.*

The gypsum found in association with rock salt is generally an-
hydrous, or contains no water in its composition. That which
occurs near our salines is of the common kind, containing a due
proportion of water of crystallization. We examined specimens
from three different layers which occurred in the well at Monte-
zuma, one of which under the blow pipe presented the phenomena
of the anhydrous variety. The importance of determining a posi-
tive connexion between the gypseous strata and those containing
the saline springs, would consist in establishing an analogy between
our salt district and others in Europe, and consequently in increa-
sing the probability of the existence of fossil salt inmass. Should
this association not be established, or should we not be able to dis-
cover salt in a solid state, New-York will not be the only instance;
as in several salines in Europe no beds of rock salt have been dis-
covered, neither has it yet been found in Virginia or Ohio. Salt
springs occur in several of our western counties, at a distance from
the known deposites of gypsum, and appear to rise immediately
from the surface of the red sandstone. In company with Governor
Marcy, whose polite attention merits our sincerest thanks, we vi-
sited a brine spring near the head of Little Sodus Bay, on the farm
of Mr. Switzer. It has been slightly: protected from the influx of
fresh water, and is the most strongly impregnated with salt of any
natural well we have tasted. Mr. Switzer has sunk a hollow log
in the site of the spring and erected a pump, which enables him at
any time to make the amount of salt required for the use of his fami-
ly. He supposes about 70 gallons are requisite to make half a bush-
el of salt. The well is said to be elevated between 80 and 40 feet
above the level of Lake Ontario, and is about one mile distant from
the head of Little Sodus Bay. A brine spring equal in volume and
strength to that at Salina, would in this most eligible site be of im-
mense value, where there is a superabundance of wood, and naviga-
ble waters communicating with Lake Ontario; but we fear there is

* The foregoing section of the salt well at Montezuma is the result of my investiga-
tions, made some years since, at which time I procured characteristic specimens of each
individual stratum throughoutits whole extent. For the thickness of each, I must cheer-
fully acknowledge my obligations to Asher Tyler, Esq.a gentleman at that time a resident

of the place.

Yours, &c,
JAMES EIGHTS.
To T. A. Conrad, Esq.

State Geologist, 3d Distdict. ¢

176 : [ Assemeiy

no probability that any important increase of brine, in quantity or
saturation, would be obtained by boring. There is no evidence here
of a deep basin, like that of Salina, where springs unite and con-
centrate their mineral wealth.

Some geologists have supposed, that because salt and coal are
associated in England, the salt district will be found to contain the
latter mineral; but it has been ascertained that salt is not peculiar
to a certain system of rocks. Dr. Buckland, in his Bridgewater
Treatise, observes, ‘“ although the most frequent position of rock
salt and of salt springs is in strata of the New Red Sandstone for-
mation, which has consequently been designated by some geolo-
gists as the saliferous system, yet it is not exclusively confined to
them. The salt mines of Wieliezka and Sicily are in tertiary for-
mations; those of Cardona, in cretaceous; some of those in the
‘Tyrol, in the oolites; and near Durham there are salt springs in
the coal formation.” Those of New-York are far below the coal
formation, in rocks of the same age with the Silurian system of
Mr. Murchinson. Thus the Author of Nature, ever mindful of
the wants of his creatures, has distributed this substance, so essen-
tial to health and comfort, very generally throughout the habitable
portion of the globe; whereas, had it been restricted to the new
red sandstone formation, very little, if any of it, would have been
found in North America, and the inhabitants of the vast interior
would have severely felt the privation.

3. Red Oxide of Iron and Associated Strata.

Upon the red sandstone of Niagara river, in the banks of the Ge-
nesee, near Rochester, and in other localities, are a series of rocks,
the first of which has been termed ‘“‘ Ferriferous Slate” by Mr.
Eaton. It is about 23 feet in thickness on the Genesee, very fis-
sile, and of a beautiful green color. Mr. Eaton observes that “it
separates into brittle, irregular laminz, which readily dissolve into
tenaceous clay soil.”” Occasionally, layers of it are more indura-
ted, and contain indistinct fucoids. The same rock on Black creek,
in the town of Wolcott, Wayne county, is indurated and difficult
to break, and contains crinoidal remains similar to those in the iron
ore above it. We doubt not this variety would yield hones ofa
fine quality. Near Clinton, Oneida county, it is replete with shells
and forms of marine vegetables.

No. 161.] 177

Above the green slate, on the Genesee river, are several strata
of calcareous sandstone, alternating with dark bluish slate, and
embracing a stratum of iron ore one foot in thickness. The sand-
stone in places contains masses of limestone, with geodes of calca-
reous spar, and veins of fossilliferous hornstone, which passes into
chalcedony. A layer of this rock generally supports the iron ore,
though sometimes a thin seam of slate is interposed.

This red oxide of iron appears to be extensively distributed
through the western counties, and extends from near Little-Falls,
in Herkimer county, to Niagara river. It occurs in masses com-
posed of small, distinct concretions, sometimes round or granular,
but more frequently lenticular or flattened; itis easily broken, and
has a moderate lustre, somewhat metallic; color of a bright red;
it is unctuous and soils the fingers, whence the local name of paint
ore. In some localities, as in the vicinity of Clinton, Oneida coun-
ty, it appears in more solid masses, embraced in strata of the green
rock, which usually accompanies it, here compact and tenaciously
adhering to the ore. It is quarried for the mason work of a por-
tion of the Chenango canal. The ore yields about 33 per cent of
iron of excellent quality; it is easily smelted, and requires no flux,
which is always necessary with the harder ores of iron. At some
furnaces it is not smelted by itself, but is mixed with other ores.
The best quality we have seen is on Black creek, in Wayne coun-
ty, where it is blasted for the use of a furnace, near the village of
Wolcott. It is here about three feet thick, embraced between
strata of compact green slate. It frequently contains masses of the
green rock, and specimens of chain coral, or Catenipora escharoides.
We have never seen any trace of land or fresh water shells in the
iron ore, such as Helix or Lymnea, stated, by Mr. Eaton, to be in-
cluded in it. On the contrary, all the fossils are of marine origin,
consisting of Spirifers and small corallines, proving that the stra-
tum was deposited in salt water, like every other sedimentary rock
in the district.

The superior terminating rock of the series, at Genesee falls,

is a sparry limestone, consisting of a mass of a large species of
Pentamerus, which constitutes a bed 15 inches in thickness.

[Assem. No. 161.] 23

178 [ ASSEMBLY

SECTION Iii.
Onondaga Limestone Series.

Under this head we include numerous strata of blue and gray
limestone, hydraulic limestone, shales and gypsum beds, which are
linked together by Paleontological affinities, yet in many of the
strata a few organic remains, peculiar to each, will be found. The
series, or formation, comprises the ‘‘ calciferous slate,” or “‘ lia-
soid rocks,” ‘‘ geodiferous” and ‘corniferous limerocks,” of Ea-
ton, stretching across the State, from the Helderberg mountains to
lake Erie, and appearing as a narrow belt, bordering the Erie ca-
nal on the south. ‘They pass under the new rocks, which consti-
tute the surface of the southern counties, and are thus lost to ob-
servation at a distance of ten or twelve miles from the canal.
They constitute the most important rocks in the district, whether
considered in relation to the soils they support, the agricultural ad-
vantages derived from their position and component materials, or
their value as articles of commerce. From the inexhaustible quar-
ries of this series, are derived hydraulic cement, of the best quali-
ty, an unlimited supply of gypsum, and ornamental marbles, which
we hope to see more extensively wrought and better appreciated
than they are at present. The universal proximity to the Erie ca-
nal is highly favorable to the transportation of the products of these
quarries, to supply the markets of an extensive district, and thus
the gypsum beds of a limited area, have, at a light cost, enriched
the soils of a large portion of the State. The quarries of this for-
mation are rich in stone suitable for converting into quick lime,
and more economy in the use of fuel might be obtained by the in-
troduction of kilns of a peculiar construction, that would consti-
tute this a profitable business, especially when agriculturists have
learned, by experience, that lime will, in most instances, renovate
their exhausted soils.

In descending the slope from the village of Onondaga to Syra-
cuse, we find, in succession, most of the rocks of this series, in the
following order:

1. Gray sparry limestone:

2. Alternating strata of blue and hydraulic limestone:

3. Shales, with gypsum beds.

No. 161.] 1 i

Gypsum.

Numerous beds of gypsum occur in the counties of Madison, On-
ondaga and Seneca, and generally bordering the salt region. This
mineral occurs in irregular somewhat conical masses, imbedded in
gypseous marl, rarely as much as twenty-five feet in diameter at
base, and from ten to thirty feet deep. In consequence of this ma-
terial having been derived from the surrounding rocks, by the lo-
cal action of chemical agents with varying degrees of intensity, we
find the gypsum never occurring in parallel layers, or to a conside-
rable uninterrupted extent, and it varies greatly in external cha-
racter and purity of composition. In dry and elevated situations,
as in the hills, it is crystalline and semitransparent, and is highly
esteemed as a stimulant to vegetation. A black, opake variety oc-
curs in masses, mixed with clay and other impurities, and is not so
much valued as the preceding. It is found in low, wet situations,
and bears the local name of Swamp plaster. :

Hydraulic Limestone.

We visited extensive quarries of this limestone in the counties
of Madison and Onondaga, where it is quarried and burned into
water lime, as at Chittenango, Fayetteville, &c. This rock is
abundant in al! the region which contains gypsum, and occurs in
immediate vicinity to the latter mineral. It appears at a higher
level than gypsum, and generally alternates with the lower beds
of a blue limestone series; thus, commencing below with the gyp-
seous beds, we find the water limestone first above them, alternat-
ing with the blue for a certain extent, then layers of blue and
gray lime in succession. Water limestone is a compact gray rock,
forming regular layers of several feet in thickness, and is properly
an argillo-ferruginous limestone. The iron and argil appear to be
ingredients essential to those peculiar properties of the lime ob-
tained from it by burning.

We noticed some solid masses of artificial stone which were
made of water cement, and intended for door steps, and was also
informed that a dwelling house in Schenectady has been entirely
constructed of this material.

Calcareous Tufa.

Derived from the strata.of this series, particularly those which
contain gypsum, are considerable deposites of tufa and marl.
These are a recent deposition from calcareous waters, and contain

180 | ASSEMBLY |

shells and plants which exist in the immediate vicinity. In the tufa
we find not only perfect unaltered shells of the most delicate spe-
cies, but beautiful impressions of leaves from the neighboring trees,
and even the trunks of trees replaced by carbonate of lime. One
of these, near the village of Chittenango, has acquired some noto-
riety, and visiters usually carry away specimens. Very fine mas-
ses, enclosing land shells in abundance, may be obtained in the
bank of a rail-road in the immediate. vicinity of this petrified tree.

In this region of limestones, tufa is seldom used except for con-
structing fences and underpinning houses. It may be used to ad-
vantage for burning into lime, when pure and stony in its texture.
Upon Nine Mile creek, in the county of Onondaga, the earthy va-
riety occurs, and also the more compact. ‘The soil along the creek
is of a highly calcareous nature, and the hills on each side abound
in gypsum.

Earthy marl occurs abundantly in many parts of our district, as
in Montgomery county, near Canajoharie, Fort Plain, and Fonda;
in Madison county, near Chittenango; and in Onondaga county, up-
on Nine Mile creek and other places in its vicinity. It also forms
the bed of Onondaga lake, having been precipitated from its wa-
ters, and containing myriads of the univalve shells which live in
the lake and its tributary streams. In one instance that came un-
der our notice, marl was used for burning into lime, and was pre-
ferred to limestones as the process was more speedy, and required
less fuel. It was, previous to burning, moulded into masses of the
size of common bricks, and then calcined in a kiln constructed
somewhat like an oven. Lime produced from marl is not consi-
dered equal to that obtained from limestone for making mortar,
but is used chiefly to whiten walls, ceilings, &c.

Gray Sparry Crinoidal Limestone, &c.

We now come to the newest or upper strata of this formation,
which are extensively quarried in the vicinity of Auburn and on
Onondaga hill, near Syracuse. At the former place the upper lay-
ers contain hornstone in such abundance as to cause the rock to
be rejected, but the inferior layers are free from this mineral.
Throughout the southern section of our district are many localities
and quarries of the blue and gray limestone. The former contains
few fossils, and when dressed and marked by the chissel, resembles
at ashort distance the eastern granite. It is wrought at the state

No. 161.] 181

prison at Auburn for dwellings, stores and public edifices, the sup-
ply being chiefly derived from quarries in the immediate vicinity of
the prison. At a lower level the gray limestone appears, being a
continuation of the strata which on Onondaga hill are quarried to
a great extent, and noted for the beauty of their ‘‘ birds-eye mar-
ble.” The aqueduct at Rochester will be constructed of this lime-
stone chiefly, and none more beautiful or durable could be found
within the limits of our district. The same strata also occur in
various parts of Madison county, as at the falls of Chittenango and
Perryville, where, however, they are seldom quarried. They ter-
minate on the east in the Helderberg mountains, where the same
group of fossils which characterize the rocks of the Onondaga
quarries, beautifully illustrate the identity and continuity of the
strata. The gray limestone has a glittering appearance when
fractured, owing to the presence of innumerable small organic re-
lics, chiefly remains of crinoid animals, which have all been con-
verted into spar. The organic structure is only visible on the sur-
face of the rock which has been long exposed to the seasons. The
form of the fossil is then distinctly visible, often in relief, which
exhibits its minutest character, because the spar is not so readily
acted upon by atmospheric agents as the uncrystalline portion of
the rock. A peculiar variety of this limestone is used for orna-
mental purposes, and termed “‘ birds-eye marble,” which is full of
distinct annular marks of crinoidal vertebrze, looking exceedingly
well when polished. Fine specimens of this marble may be seen
at Syracuse, in the form of mantels and other architectural orna-
ments. It is remarkable for its toughness, and shews indentations
without breaking when forcibly struck with the hammer, as is ob-
served by General Dix, in his able report to the Legislature. It
is said not to be so readily converted into lime as the blue layers
which alternate with it; but when free from hornstone, as is fre-
quently the case, we infer that it would burn into a pure lime.

Throughout this and the preceding formations, gneiss included,
the observer will not fail to notice those remarkable parallel fis-
sures which intersect others nearly at right angles, separating the
rocks into regular rhomboidal masses, which greatly facilitate the
operation of quarrying. In some localities the beautiful regularity
of these lines give a fine effect to the rocks, resembling the care-
ful joining of an artificial pavement. This is especially remarka-
ble near Canajoharie, as seen beneath the clear water of a mill
stream in the summer drought.

182 [ ASSEMBLY
SECTION IV.

Shales of the Superior Series.

The ‘‘pyritiferous rocks” of Mr. Eaton constitute in our district
the highest of those grand terraces, which extend in an east and
west direction across the State. This series occupies the southern
portion of our district, and contains within its limits those parallel
depressions, at right angles to the line of the terrace, which are |
filled with the waters of those fine lakes, Cayuga, Seneca and oth-
ers. Similar depressions, no longer the beds of lakes, parallel with
these and referrable to a common origin, are frequently seen in
travelling over this magnificent country, delighting the eye and in-
spiring the imagination with their gentle but exquisite outlines. In
ascending this final escarpment, we discover rocks, which in con-
sequence of their elevation and component materials, have modified
the temperature and soil, and thercfore exerted a powerful influ-
ence on the agricultural interests and prosperity of the region.
We step in a few moments from the sedimentary rocks of one ocean
to those of another, which reveal to us the history of a new crea-
tion of animal life, in imperishable annals, unfolding the grand
truths of geology in the most simple and beautiful manner, for no
disturbance has here given obscurity or ambiguity to the record.
In the course of these important investigations, we ascertain the
reason why no coal, so frequently sought for here, is associated
with the strata; and the broad generalizations of science, which
lead to such practical results, must be permitted awhile to claim
our undivided attention.

In one limited portion of this series, we find the first vestige of
animal organization of a different form from the tribolites and cy-
therina, in the class. crustaceans, developed in the singular genus
Eurypterus of Dr. De Kay, which forms a passage to the recent
genus Limulus, or king crab of the Atlantic coast. The Eurypterus
has hitherto been found only in a few layers of rock which occupy
a position near the most elevated point of land in our district, and
are high in the series of the ‘‘pyritiferous slate’ of Mr. Eaton.
This circumscribed range may possibly have resulted from the ha-
bits of the animal, which is said to have lived in fresh water. No
evidence, however, of the fresh water origin of the rock where this
fossil impression occurs, has yet been obtained here, as it is desti-
tute of shell and all other fossils, except indistinct vegetable re-
mains, resembling small fucoids. In Scotland, the Eurypterus has

No. 161.] 183

been found in a geological position, similar to that in New-York,
beneath the coal.

On the probability of discovering Coal.

Owing to the great demand for this species of fuel in many sec-
tions of the district, repeated local examinations, not guided by
science, have been made to ascertain its presence in veins or strata,
but without success. ‘The true relations of the rocks here to the
carboniferous deposites of Pennsylvania, have hitherto been greatly
misunderstood, and the comparisons with European formations re-
mote from the true analogies.

Dr. Buckland judiciously observes: ‘ Before we had acquired by
experiment some extensive knowledge of the contents of each se-
ries of formations, which the geologist can readily identify, there
was no @ priori reason to expect the presence of, coal in any one
series of strata rather than another. Indiscriminate experiments
in search of coal, in strata of every formation, were therefore de-
sirable and proper in an age when even the name of geology was
unknown; but the continuance of such experiments in districts
which are now ascertained to be composed of the non-carbonife-
rous strata of the secondary and tertiary series, can no longer be
justified, since the accumulated experience of many years has prov-
ed, that it is only in strata of the transition series, which have been
designated as the Carboniferous Order, that productive coal mines
on a large scale have ever been discovered.”* We may add, that
it is equally fruitless to search for such mines in strata below as it
is in those above the carboniferous order.

Not only are all the coal beds or strata of the Union of later ge-
ological date, and higher in the scale of formation, than the rocks
of this district, but one fact illustrative of the manner in which the
strata originated, is particularly worthy of notice, because it has
important bearings on the question regarding the possibility of dis-
covering coal. From the deposition of the first sedimentary rocks,
to that of the newest stratum of the district, all the dry land, if
there was any, seems to have been confined to the few points pre-
sented by naked and barren primary rocks. Admitting that all
coal deposites of any extent and value were derived from luxuri-
ant vegetation on land or in fresh water marshes, we perceive that
the conditions necessary for the deposition of extensive coal strata

* Bridgewater Treatise, vol. 1, p. 524.

184 | ASSEMBLY

could not have existed in a region where marine formations pre-
vailed, to the exclusion even of small islands, sufficient to nourish
a scanty vegetation. This opinion is confirmed by a comparison
of the organic remains contained in strata intimately associated
with coal, with those in the upper rocks of our district. The
former strata are characterized by fossils of the carboniferous or-
der, but the latter by those of Silurian or lower transition rocks.
Such are the results of Paleontological distinctions, which may be
confidently relied on when other evidence of antiquity in rocks may
not readily be found.

On the importance of a knowledge of Organic Remains.

In the present plan of the geological survey, it becomes the du-
ty of each geologist to collect, study and describe, the fossil re-
mains in his district, which must necessarily occupy much of his
time, and withdraw his attention from other duties. Moreover,
the same groups of fossils may be found in each district, giving
rise to conflicting claims, and partial investigations of a subject,
which, to render practically useful, should be studied as a whole
with an undivided attention. We therefore respectfully suggest,
that such an alteration in the plan of the survey be made, as would
devolve upon a single individual the duty of arranging, describing
and drawing all the organic remains of the State; a division of la-
bor we deem called for by their number and general distribution
through all the sedimentary rocks, and the necessity of an accu-
rate knowledge of the various species, to a correct systematic ar-
rangement of the strata. It will also be in accordance with the
plan pursued in relation to the mineral department, and simplify
the materials of the final report.

The importance of a knowledge of fossils is exemplified in the
repeated mistakes which have been made by those writers who
have attempted to classify the rocks of New-York in accordance
with the systems of European geologists. For instance, the red
sandstone of Niagara river has generally been referred to the old
red sandstone of England, which neither the relative position nor
the fossils will justify.

‘“‘' The study of organic remains, indeed, forms the peculiar fea-
ture and basis of modern geology, and is the main cause of the
progress this science has. made since the commencement of the pre-
_ sent century. We find certain families of organic remains per-

No 16h) 185

vading strata of every age, under nearly the same generic forms
which they present among existing organizations. Other families,
both of animals and vegetables, are limited to particular forma-
tions, there being certain points where entire groups ceased to
exist, and were replaced by others of a different character. The
changes of genera and species are still more frequent; hence it has
been well observed, that to attempt an investigation of the struc-
ture and revolutions of the earth, witnout applying minute atten-
tion to the evidences afforded by organic remains, would be no
less absurd than to undertake to write the history of any ancient
people, without reference to the documents afforded by their me-
dals and inscriptions, their monuments, and the ruins of their ci-
ties and temples.’’*

In consequence of the vast extent of horizontal strata, which in
their original oscillations were agitated in a broad unbroken mass,
the rocks of western New-York form a ‘regular very obvious or-
der of succession, strongly contrasted with the same series in
Pennsylvania, where the disturbing forces have acted with more
energy, throwing the strata into those intricate mazes which can
be only understood and divested of all obscurity, by ascending the
succession of magnificent terraces from Lake Ontario, gaining
from a knowledge of their fossils that clue which is essential to a
perfect understanding of the relative position and age of highly in-
clined and contorted rocks. Thus we learn the identity of strata
varying in mineral composition, the original continuity of which
has been interrupted by dislocations, and whatever may be their
comparative level or inclination, we readily trace them to a com-
mon origin, gaining practical results, to which no other mode of
investigation can lead. *.Thus we consider New-York to be the
true starting point in investigating the geology of the Union, un-
folding the order of arrangement in all our rocks, and rapidly ad-
vancing to maturity those important inductions and general results
which are to develope all the mineral resources of the different
States.

In the course of our survey of the third geological districtt of
the State, during part of the summer of 1836, we have collected

* Buckland, Bridgewater Treatise, vol. 1, p. 110.

+ The third geological district comprises the counties of Montgomery, Herkimer, Onei-

da, Lewis, Jefferson, Oswego, Madison, Onondaga, Cayuga. Wayne, Ontario, Monroe,
Orleans, Genesee, Livingston.

[Assem. No. 161.] 24

186 [ASSEMBLY

twenty boxes containing specimens of soils, rocks, minerals, and
organic remains. ‘These have all been received in the city of Al-
bany, and the specimens arranged temporarily for the convenience
of study and examination.

T. A. CONRAD, State Geologist.

FIRST ANNUAL REPORT

Of the Geological Survey of the Fourth District of
the State of New-York, by Lardner Vanuxem.

This District comprises the counties of Otsego, Chenango,
Broome, Tioga, Chemung, Cortland, Tompkins, Seneca, Yates,
Steuben, Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauque, Erie and Niagara.

In conformity with the letters and instruction otherwise receiv-
ed from your Excellency, no attempt at a detailed survey was
commenced the past season, confining myself merely to that kind
of reconnoisance best calculated to obtain such general geological
information, as would enable me knowingly and satisfactorily to en-
ter upon the detailed survey the coming season; a knowledge highly
important for a survey of the magnitude contemplated, the import-
ance of which, from the means furnished; the judicious distribu-
tion of its several parts; the facilities afforded by the horizontal
position of a large portion of the rocks; the great extent and num-
ber of the valleys which intersect them; the abundance of fossils
and the well marked order of the succession of the fossils, form a
combination of circumstances so favourable, as to be without pa-
rallel; and should its execution be commensurate with the spirit in
which it was conceived, cannot but place New-York in a position
as enviable for scientific distinction, as she stands pre-eminent for
boldness of conception, and for the promptness with which she
executed her truly noble public works.

In consequence of the inexpediency of commencing the detailed
survey the past season, from want of concert of views with those
‘who had the charge of the other districts, and from other circum-
stances of importance, no annual reports, embracing objects of
immediate utility as was contemplated, could be expected; for a
a district comprising 15 counties, containing 11,594 square miles,
could not from a travel of less than three months, that being the

188 | AssEMBLY

period from the date of my commission, to the close of the favoura-
ble season, be so examined as to give satisfactory practical detail;
yet as no less than 2,200 miles of distance of that district was
travelled over, more than half performed on foot, much important
scientific information, both general and particular, was cbtained,
which cannot but greatly facilitate future operations, and by the
connection of science with art, ultimately lead to practical results.

The rocks, or the solid materials of which the counties are
. composed, so far as I have examined them, belong wholly to the
transition class of the French, and greater number of the British
geologists, forming but a part of that most important geological
division, and embracing that portion of the carboniferous system
of the Reverend Mr. Conybeare, immediately below the bitumi-
nous coal series, or upon which the coal series rests, when fol-
lowing in their regular order. These rocks of the fourth district,
correspond with all those masses which Professor Eaton, in the map
appended to the second edition of his Geological Text Book, places
above his third carboniferous formations, so far as I-can understand
it aright, exclusive, however of the very modern secondary group.

As in Europe, so in New-York, the series consists of products of
the land, and products of the ocean, all originally mud, sand, peb-
bles and carbonate of lime; in some localities tolerably pure, in
others more or less intermixed with each other. The mud has
given rise to slate, shale, and indurated marl. The sand, to flag-
stones, freestone, both building and grindstone. The pebbles, to
conglomerate or puddingstone; and the carbonate of lime to lime-
stone. Besides these general rocks, the admixtures of two or more.
of their materials have produced numerous varieties, as is common
with the materials of all other general rocks. The geographical
distribution of these rocks as to quantity, is exceedingly dispropor-
tional, the shale and slate forming by far the greater part of the
whole mass. Sandstone is next in abundance. The conglomerate
occurs only in three or four localities, and of very limited extent.
Limestone appears only as a surface rock in Otsego, Seneca, Erie
and Niagara; and in none of the other counties, so far -discover-
ed, is it in sufficient abundance to be burnt for lime, excepting in
the outlet of Crooked Lake, and near the level of Seneca Lake.

The materials of which the rocks of the fourth district are for-
med, were doubtless arranged by an ocean, from the numberless
_ marine shells, crustaceous and zoophytic remains, which so gene-

No. 161.] 189

_ rally abound in them, though their mineral products were in great
part carried from existing land, made evident not only from the
circumstance of mud, sand and gravel, being products of agitated
waters, but from the remains of plants found in the shale and sand-

stone, and likewise the occasional occurrence of some fresh water
shells.

A feature common to all the rocks of the fourth district, is the
horizontal position to the eye of the strata or layers into which
_ they are divided; and being characteristic of the more modern
class, was the main cause of error in the early classification of the
rocks of western New-York, as well likewise of the whole range
west of the Allegany to the Lakes, and from the Hudson to the
Mississippi. Whereas within these immense limits, with the ex-
ception of the cretaceous group in the southern part of Tennessce,
there exist no rock masses in place more modern than the great
deposition of bituminous coal. ‘Those other mineral products there
met with belong to the alluvial class. -'These products either line
the bottoms or sheath the sides of the innumerable valleys which
intersect the rocks. All the valleys of that extensive region show,
by the horizontal position and parallelism of the rocks of which
their sides are composed, that they are valleys of denudation or
excavation; at the same time they show by their extent, the ex-
tent of the denudation, and the source of their immense and co-ex-
tensive deposition of alluvial; and the varied and favorable compo-
sition of the rocks explains the cause of the far-famed fertility of
their alluvial soils.

Besides this cause of error in the classification of these rocks,
others may be mentioned, more especially appertaining to those of
this State. These were, a want of knowledge of ihe fossils they
contain, and of the importance of this class of characters in the
determination of rock masses; the presence of coal in many of
the rocks, though in exceedingly limited quantities; the dark car-
bonaceous color likewise of many others; the presence of car-
buretted hydrogen gas—likewise of petroleum, and the occurrence
of salt water, in that abundance which in Europe:is characteristic —
of a more modern class.

In 1827 and ’28, I travelled over a part of western New-York,
and a considerable portion of the states of Ohio, Kentucky, Ten-
nessee and Virginia. ‘The extensive collection of fossils, rocks
and minerals I then made, fully satisfied me as to the greater geo-

190 [ASSEMBLY —

logical antiquity of all our great horizontal western region than
had been given to it.. This opinion was communicated to Profes-
sor Cleaveland, and was published in the American Journal of Sci-
ence and Arts for 1829. ‘Since then, all other information collect-
ed of the parts examined, has only tended to strengthen ia con-
viction of their transition ———

In the rocks of-the fourth dintrict we have all those fossils which
in Europe are characteristic of the transition class: these are ortho-
cera, trilobites, producti, spirifers, pentameri, and favosites, and on
the authority of Mr. Conrad, eurypterus, catenipora, conularia and
monotis.

In a report like the present one, it would be altogether prema-
ture, and wholly at variance with the wisdom displayed in the ar-
rangement of the survey, to attempt any geological arrangement
of the different masses or subdivisions to be spoken of, whatever
might be the information possessed or opinion entertained, unless
where practical information is to be given; wisely considering from
the nature of the annual reports, restricted as they are to objects
of immediate utility, that all such information should be reserved
for the final report, when the matured results of the whole period
allotted to each one in his district, and of the whole number enga-
ged in the survey, shall be obtained. So likewise we omit all au-
thorities as to localities, giving those only of minerals and fossils
which have come under our observation, not however as new—to
the contrary not doubting that all are on record; believing that all
historical information of the kind should be reserved to the final
publication.

Sandstone and shale, as we said, form the predominant masses
of the fourth district, eleven of the fifteen counties having no other
kind of rocks, from their most elevated surface to the lowest ex- .
cavation which exists. With exceptions inconsiderable as to num-
ber and extent, great uniformity exists between the sandstone and
shale, from their alternating, intermixing, and usually accompany-
ing each other; from their having the same disposition in layers
and beds, the same horizontal position, and usually of the same
thickness, colors, fossils, and mineral contents.

The prevailing color when recently broken, is some shade of
green, which, by long exposure to the air, often assumes a brown- ~
ish hue. This effect is owing to manganese, which seems to be

No. 161.] 191

their chief coloring matter. In some localities the shale and sand-
stone are red. This, however, does not frequently occur; nor.are
they then of any great thickness, occurring usually towards the
upper part of the hills, or the mass.

The sandstone is most commonly fine grained; its particles often
cemented by the shale, the two being much intermixed with each
other. It is to this cause, from the disintegrating nature of the
shale, that so much of the sandstones of these counties is of a
perishable nature. In general the layers of sandstone range from
an inch to about a foot in thickness. In some localities, from the
exceeding smoothness of its surface, being of the proper thickness,
hardness and of all desirable dimensions, it forms the finest flagging
that has ever come under our notice in any country. In other lo-
calities, the surfaces of the flag stones are covered with either co-
ralline or fucoidal bodies; these, though they diminish their econo-
mical value, are not the less prized by the naturalist. The shale
in some localities assumes a slaty structure, sometimes of a blue
colour; but with the same tendency to decomposition, which cha-
racterizes the great mass. There are other localities, particularly
in Chenango and Broome, where there is a layer of the massive
variety, which exhibits a tendency, owing probably to carbonate
of lime entering into its composition, to form concretions parallel
with the layer in which they exist; and so frequently do they oc-
cur, as to be in a measure characteristic of that mass, as determin-
ed by the position which they hold, relatively to a pecular fossil.
The concretions are of all sizes, from an inch to several yards in
length, and of proportionate thickness. West of Buffalo, on the
shore of Lake Erie, similar concretions exist, frequently appearing
as septaria; some of which are of uncommon magnitude and regu-
larity. ‘The septaria seem to contain a greater portion of carbo-
nate of lime than those of the counties just mentioned, having
their fissures lined with that mineral, often coloured with bitumen
and sometimes with carbonate of iron. In a few instances accom-
panied by anhydrous gypsum, and also sulphate of strontian.

Limestone, marl and tufa. In the whole line of the southern
frontier counties, from the Delaware river to Lake Erie, we did
not find or hear of a mass of limestone forming a part of the tran-
sition class, at all suitable for burning. Layers of limestone fre-
quently oceur amongst the shales and sandstones; but rarely over
six inches in thickness, but so intermixed with those materials, as

192 ee [ ASSEMBLY

to be wholly useless when burnt, for mortar, or whitewash, but
may answer agricultural purposes, which no doubt the farmers
will prove, when they become desirous of availing themselves of
that essential material for the highest and permanent improve-
ment of their soil. It is not improbable also, that future observa-
tions may lead to the discovery of purer beds in those particular
counties, though it is not probable, that any great abundance will
be found, as it is wanting altogether in the succeeding rocks in
Pennsylvania; and those great masses of limestone, common to
the more northern counties, should they extend so far south,
must be at a very low level, or be replaced by the sandstone or
shale. Of all the marine fossiliferous rocks of New-York com-
posed of limestone, one only makes its appearance to the east of the
anthracite coal of Pennsylvania. It is found from the Delaware
to the Schuylkill, and between the Blue ridge and the line of the
axis of the sharp mountain. That line being the eastern boundary
of the anthracite coal. The direction of all those same limestones
of New-York is south, increasing in thickness going west, dimi-
nishing correspondingly in the opposite direction, so as to disap-
pear amongst the sandstone and shales.

The impure limestones of the router counties abound in ma-
rine shells, and other organic remains, affording characters to the
series to which they belong. Sometimes the shells form the only
calcareous material. In many instances by exposure to the air, or
in other words, to atmospheric agents, or where the rock freely
admitted the passage of water, the shells have been wholly remov-
ed, leaving cavities corresponding with the forms possessed. The
carbonate of lime so removed, has given origin to the honeycomb
limestone, or calcareous tufa, of which many well known locali-
ties exist. In some localities the process is going on; in other
and the greater number, it has long since come to anend. This
tufa is exceedingly tough, and strongly resembles the travertino of
Rome, celebrated from being the chief material of which the an-
cient monuments of that city were built.

It is not improbable also, that the shell marl, so frequently co-
vering the bottoms of many of the smaller lakes of New-York,
may have had a similar origin, but deposited in water, the water pre-
venting the cohesion of its particles. The marl near Cortland
Four Corners is put into the form of bricks, dried and burnt into
lime. Some of it no doubt may be pure enough to manufacture

No. 161.] 193

into whiting, and, from its pulverulent state, will ere long be large-
ly used for the improvement of the soil. This marl is abundant in
recent fresh water shells.

In some of the water courses which have traversed those rocks
where limestone abounds, pebbles of this mineral have been car-
ried to a considerable distance from their source. Thus at Elmi-
ra, we were told that they were collected at the river, and burnt
for lime.

‘Should those counties ultimately prove deficient in lime, of which
all future agriculture will make great demand, the well known
abundance existing in the more northern ones, will afford an am-
ple and cheap supply, when all contemplated public works shall be
completed.

In Erie, Niagara and Seneca, limestone forms a considerable
portion of the surface rock, being the kinds which Professor Eaton
has designated by the descriptive names of cornitiferous, geodife-
rous and calciferous: the former characterized by siliceous mat-
ter, in the state of hornstone: the geodiferous, by the cavities it
presents, many of which are partially, or wholly filled up with
erystallized limstone, or gypsum, either hydrous or anhydrous.
Some of the cavities contain sulphurets of zinc, or blende, as at
the Falls of Niagara, and Lockport; but in quantities merely sufh-
cient for cabinet specimens. The greater number of the cavities
appear to have been owing to the removal of fossil bodies, particu-
larly favosites, and cyathophylli.

At Black Rock, just below the layers of the cornitiferous lime-
rock of Professor Eaton, there occurs an aggregate of brownish
red limestone, and dark green shale, analogous to the Compan mar-
ble of the Pyrenees, only the colours are not so vivid as those of
the latter. It is not improbable that when a greater extent of
country is excavated for limestone, this aggregate will be found
sufficiently bright in colour, to be used as marble. So also, the
fine partially red coloured encrinal limestone, thrown out in the
excavations made for the canal at Lockport, there merely forming
hand specimens, may be discovered in sufficient abundance for like
ornamental purpose.

Siliceous Conglomerate, called also pudding-stone and mill-stone
grit. This aggregate we meet with in three localities. In Alle-

[Assem. No. 161.] * 25

194 [| ASSEMBLY

gany county, a few miles south-east of Friendship; in Cattarau-
gus county, about five miles south of Olean, and on the road going
from Olean to Ellicottville. In all these localities it occurs at the
top of the hills; always limited as to extent, and of inconsiderable
thickness.

The locality nearest to Olean, is on the state road leading to the
Pennsylvania line. ‘There the appearance is exceedingly pictur-

esque, representing a mass in ruins, some of the parts retaining
- their original horizontal position; a few present the appearance of
huge centre tables, others are inclined at various angles, and some
of the masses have found a lower level, having slided from the
‘eminence on which they stood. The whole of the large frag-
ments are covered with trees, whose vertical position strongly con-
trasts with the varied and deranged state of the surface upon which
they are placed.

The conglomerate is about 20 feet in thickness, imperfectly di-
vided into three masses; the upper one hard, the lower crumbly,
from the slight cohesion of the pebbles.

The appearance just described of these rocks, has been caused
by the difference in the solidity of its parts, conjoined with the ac-
tion of water, and no doubt, at that remote period, which destroy-
ed that continuity of surface which the rocks of the fourth district
originally possessed, in common with all other sedimentary rocks.

In the neighborhood of Ellicottville the conglomerate, probably
the prolongation of the third mass met with on the road from Ole-
an to that village, is equally an object of curiosity. This locality
we did not visit, from the stormy state of the weather. We were
told that the excavation is so regular as to exhibit the appearance
of streets, and is known by the name of the City. ‘

Petroleum, or Seneca Oil. On the dividing line of the counties
of Cattaraugus and Allegany, at the foot of a small hill, surround-
ed by forest and thicket, is the only oil spring in the fourth dis-
trict. It has attained considerable celebrity; is situated in the In-
dian reservation, of one mile square, and belongs to the Indians of
Cattaraugus, living on the Allegany river.

It is a dirty circular pool, about 18 feet in diameter, filled near-
ly to its margin with foul water, having at the time we saw it, a
small quantity of petroleum in clots, floating upon its surface. No

No. 161.] 195

oil had been taken from it for several days, showing that the quan-
tity was very inconsiderable, which the sluggish nature of the pool
fully indicated, there being no perceptible discharge. The smell
was evident but at a very short distance from the pool. The oil
is much used by the farmers, and we were told met with a ready
sale. oe

The hill which rises near the spring is composed of fine grain-
ed, greenish sandstone, containing a few spirifers and encrinites
and the corallines, or fucoides, so characteristic of those border
counties. Several excavations have been made in the hill, in the
expectation of finding coal, on the supposition that the oil spring
originated from a bed of coal, none of which were successful, as
we were told, and which the rocks and the fragments thrown out
of the excavations fully confirmed. We were, however, inform-
ed, that a very recent discovery of coal had been made in the hill,
but all traces of the place concealed, in consequence of being In-
dian property.

There is no necessary connection between oil springs and beds
of coal; the presence merely of bituminous matter disseminated in
the rock, accompanied by decomposing pyrites, suffices to account
for its presence, or a depth at some former period, sufficient to
give the required temperature necessary to disengage the petrole-
um from bituminous matter. So small, however, is the quantity
that is obtained from the spring, that its presence there may be
owing to the passage of water through the underlying rock, where
a greater accumulation of petroleum may exist than exists in the
rock of the hill, as the lower rock at Angelica, Hinsdale, West-
field, shore of Lake Erie and Fredonia; for in all these localities,
the presence of petroleum is manifested by percussion or fracture
of the rock. .

Coal. It is not attempted, by any geologist of note, to restrict
coal to any particular period, but to assign to a particular period
the. greater development and greater accumulation of its mate-
rial, than existed prior or subsequent thereto. This position is
fully sustained by observation in New-York, for throughout almost
the whole series of its transition rocks, both anthracite and bitu-
minous coal, have numerous localities; but so far as observation has
been made, invariably in quantities too small for useful or econo-
mical purposes. The same fact exists in Europe, in the rocks more

196 [ ASSEMBLY

ancient, and in those more modern than the great coal deposition.
There, from the whole series of rock formations being complete, this —
most important fossil substance gradually acquires.a maximum,
then diminishes to a minimum, passing from plumbago to anthra-
cite, thence to the bituminous, through its various varieties, to the
acetous bituminous, thence to fossil wood and peat, and finally ter-
minates in the perfect vegetable.

From the occurrence in several localities in New-York of pe-
troleum, or liquid bitumen, and of numerous places where carbu-
retted hydrogen rises in bubbles from the water courses, no small
expectation has existed of finding coal in profitable abundance in
this State. These substances, however, are not certain guides;
they indicate the presence only, not the quantity, appearing alto-
gether to be wanting in some of the richest coal districts, whether
of Europe or this country. ‘They seem both in this State, and in
the south-western country, to be connected with beds of marine
shells, and with salt water; as though the materials from which
they were formed had been wafted from the land, and deposited
rather with oceanic than with terrene products. So constant; for
example, is the accompaniment of carburetted hydrogen with salt
water on the borders of the upper part of the Ohio river, that the
presence of this gas is considered a sure indication of the presence
of salt water.

As the discovery of coal is an object of primary importance to
the State, from the rapid extension of its population, and equal, if
not greater diminution of its once dense forests, more attention was
given to this subject than to any other, and we are prepared to
give an approximative report as to coal; but a final one, as respects
the bituminous coal of Pennsylvania. To accomplish this object,
great attention was given to the rocks of the border counties, many
reputed localities of coal were visited, and in order to be certain
of the relationship of position which the rocks of these counties
held to the coal series in Pennsylvania, the rocks were traced to
the two nearest localities, that of Blossburg, in Tioga, and Whites,
in Warren county. git

From the examination so made, the following are the reasons why
the bituminous coal series of Pennsylvania, does not extend further
north than about the 42d degree of latitude, though we do not as-
sert, much less attempt to prove, that masses, partial as to the

No. 161.] 197

great coal deposition, may not be found beyond that limit, or in
other words, within the limits of this State.

The rocks of the frontier counties of the 4th district, bordering
upon Pennsylvania, from the Delaware river to Lake Erie, consist
mainly of shale and sandstone of a greenish color, which shows, as
they are not of igneous origin, that there was coaly matter origi-
nally deposited with them, but in quantity just sufficient to reduce
their metallic coloring matter, iron and manganese, to their lowest
state of oxidation, but not to give its peculiar grey and black color
to those rocks.

2dly. That these rocks abound in marine organic remains of
shells and zoophytes, showing the presence of a sea, and not of
land, favorable for plants, coal being a vegetable product. To
those who may doubt the vegetable origin of coal, it may be ne-
cessary further to state, that in all countries, so far examined, the
regular associates of coal are blue shale, grey sandstone and con-
glomerate; one, or all, with vegetable remains. The exceptions
only have other kinds of rocks and marine fossils, accompanied by
those of the vegetable kingdom likewise.

3dly. That conglomerate, or pebble rock, though found in some
of the border counties, is in very partial masses, occuring only as
the terminal rock. This rock is exceedingly abundant on the
eastern border of the Pennsylvania coal range, accompanies the
coal in most, if not all, its localities, diminishing as the coal dimi-
nishes, going northwest. This rock,:in Europe, is usually repre-
sented as the underlying mass of the coal, though its position, from
my own observations, is a very variable one. Its presence theo-
retically, is important, requiring, as it does, agitated waters for its
production; being composed of rounded stones, the inference ne-
cessarily is, that land was not remote from the place of its depo-
sition.

4thly. Both at the bituminous coal series of Blossburg, in Tioga
county, twenty-five miles south of Painted-Post, and at White’s
coal bed, likewise bituminous, in Warren county, six miles south
of the line of Chautauque county, the rocks of the southern range,
were traced within a few rods of the line of those coal series, evi-
dently passing under the coal, and forming the support of their
mass.

198 | ASSEMBLY

S5thly. To the want of elevation in the New-York rocks, as was
remarked by Mr. R. C. Taylor, in his survey of the region of Bloss-
burg, having levelled the whole distance between that place and the
Chemung feeder. Mr. Taylor found that the dip or inclination of
the layers of the rocks, was constantly to the south, there being no
anticlinal line, other than the slightly elevated one which has given
rise to the division of the northern and southern waters. This
dipping of the rocks to the south, though it diminishes the geogra-
phical height of the coal series, correspondingly increases their
thickness. The position, however, of the coal, is of considerable
elevation, Blossburg being seated on the dividing line of the waters
of the west branch of the Susquehannah and the Tioga rivers.
The coal beds of Towanda, we did not visit; no doubt they are on
the same great elevation with those of Blossburg. The coal at
Whites, though not on head waters, yet occurs on a very high
ridge, which separates the Allegany from its tributary, the Co-
newango, they uniting at Warren, about eleven miles below.

Since this article was written, I have had the pleasure and satis-
faction of seeing Mr. Taylor’s admirable drawings of the Bloss-
burg coal measures and underlying series, showing the connection
of the latter with the rocks of Steuben county. These drawings
fully confirm the superior geological elevation, which the bitumi-
nous coal of Pennsylvania holds relatively to the New-York rocks.

Of the Metallic Minerals met with in the Fourth District.

As in other countries, so in the fourth district, iron is the most
abundant metallic mineral. It is found in the state of red oxide,
of a hydrate, called brown oxide, in combination with sulphur, as
iron pyrites, and as a carbonate.

The red oxide forms the coloring matter of the red sandstone
and shale, always occurring in these rocks, and accompanying them
in many localities. We did not visita great number, nor make
any particular examination, confining our attention merely to its
existence, and the position it holds in the rocks.

The hydrate, or bog ore, owes its colour to water, of which it
generally contains about twelve per cent. When heated the wa-
ter disappears, leaving the ore of a red colour. ‘This ore is of the -
most recent kind, forming, under our eyes, by the decomposition
of pyrites, and in almost all low grounds where water and vege-
table matter exist. The decomposition of vegetable matter in the

No. 161.] _ 499

presence of earth, or soil containing oxide of iron, reduces the
degree of oxidation, and enables the water, by the aid of the new-
ly formed carbonic acid, to take up the iron, which it again sets
free in coming out to the air at a lower level. It is to this cause
that very many chalybeate springs are owing, as well, also, that
whiteness of soil, common to all low, wet grounds.

From the existence of iron in the frontier counties, being seated
in the midst of forests, and from their proximity to the bituminous
coal of Pennsylvania, they, no doubt, at no distant day, will be ad-
vantageously worked; and when we shall have made the same
progress in the extraction of iron, and mining of coal, as has been
made in Great Britain, we shall then be aware of the vast extent
of our mineral wealth, some idea of which may be formed from a
lease of sixteen years, recently given in Scotland, of 200 acres,
containing iron ore, for about $45,000 per year.

Iron Pyrites has many localities in the 4th district, but is most
abundant near Kighteen Mile creek on the shore of Lake Erie, in
the pyritiferous rock of Professor Katon, both in the slate and lime-
stone, of which a full description was given in the survey of the
Erie canal.

From the connection existing between organic productions and
pyrites, and the decomposition of pyrites, as the probable cause of
all the gas springs and petroleum occurring, from Steuben county
to Lake Erie, it may be well to make a few remarks upon this mi-
neral, whose importance, merely as regards iron and gypsum, can
not be overrated.

There are two kinds of pyrites in nature, perfectly agreeing in
chemical composition, but differing wholly in almost every other
respect. One kind undergoes no change by exposure to the air
unless previously subjected to heat. It is found in the primitive
class of rock, and in a few others that are less ancient than that
class. The other, the kind which is found in our district, readily
changes when exposed to the atmosphere, and seems to date its ex-
istence from the commencement of vegetable and animal organiza-
tion. So constant, for example, is the connection between the de-
composing kind of pyrites and fossil vegetable matter, that anthra-
cite, bituminous coal, lignite and fossil wood, are invariably asso-
ciated with it.

200 _ [Assemeny

When pyrites in large quantities are associated with coal, spon-
taneous combustion, by the addition of moisture, often ensues, giv-
ing rise in many instances to so great a degree of heat, as to cal-
cine and partially fuse the rocks in connection with it. Such com-
binations are known by the name of false or pseudo volcanoes.
When the quantity of pyrites is not so great, mere distillation of
bituminous matter is the result, accompanied by carburetted hydro-
gen gas.

Pyrites in decomposing in the presence of carbonate of lime,
gives rise to gypsum, which seems to have had no other origin, at
the same time, has produced a yellow pigment, and the largest
class of our iron ores. In simultaneously decomposing with slate
or shista containing potash, it forms alum, of which a recent disco-
very has been made in the vicinity of Fredonia.

Manganese. Excepting as the chief coloring matter of the sand-
stone and shale, in which it exists in the state of protoxide, man-
ganese presents itself as an hydrate, called the brown oxide, its
powder being of that color. It often invests the fragments occur-
ring in the brooks, and also the calcareous tufa or honeycomb lime-
stone. In some localities it forms thin layers in the tufa of 4 of
an inch in thickness, with a crystalline or shining appearance.
This ore of manganese is not used in the arts, affording no profita-
ble proportion of oxygen.

At one locality where manganese was found with the tufa, it -
had for some time attracted the attention of the owner of a lime
kiln, who was convinced that it was an ore of silver, and so far
from being discouraged, after making many abortive attempts to
obtain a.metallic substance, was convinced that it ultimately would
prove a fortune for his children.

Copper. Stains of green carbonate of copper are found at Black
Rock and at Lockport, arising from the decomposition of copper
pyrites, which latter species was noticed in other localities, and in
like small quantity. Very minute tetrahedral crystals of gray
copper are likewise found in the same limestone at Black Rock.

Zinc. The only ore of this metal that we noticed, was the sul-
phuret or blende, being found as mere cabinet specimens in the -
cavities of the geodiferous lime-rock of Professor Eaton at the Falls
of Niagara and at Lockport. No doubt the carbonate and siliceous

No. 161.] 201

oxides may hereafter be found, as they greatly resemble carbonate -
of lime, and are often confounded with it. These latter ores are
alone used in the arts, the sulphuret requiring to be roasted be-
fore it can be of value.

In concluding this very brief, or mere announce of the metallic
minerals of the 4th district, I am induced to make a few observa-
tions upon the theory of veins* as a number of our geologists are
disposed to attach more importance to their igneous origin than the
facts in relation to it merit. The subject, moreover, is of great
practical importance, the origin from igneous injection from below,
being ‘calculated to lead to error, from its consequence, that the
deeper we descend, the nearer we approach to the source or ori-
gin of the deposite.

Were the opinion correct, that veins have been filled from be-
low by matter injected, one would suppose that the volcanic rocks
would be the richest in metals, whereas like all modern rocks they
are the poorest. In the three classes or orders of extinct volca-
noes of France, no other metallic mineral than a little oligiste iron
is to be found, occurring in rifts, cracks or hollows of the lava,
having no connection with one another, the iron appearing to have
separated from the mass, at the time of its cooling.

The two classes of facts, that of metallic minerals existing in the
rock, as well as in the veins, and secondly that the predominant
. crystallizing mineral or minerals of the rock, forms the material of
the vein, seem to me conclusively to prove, that the only satisfac-
tory way of accounting for their origin, is by segregation and la-
teral infiltration, the metallic and other minerals having been tur-
nished by the rock which encloses the veins.

That metallic minerals form a part of rock is certain from the cir-
cumstance, that in a large class of metallic veins, sometimes called
beds, from having their sides parallel with the layers of the rock,
their stony materials are no wise different from the crystallized ma-
terial of the rock.

2d. From the existence of another class of contemporaneous me-
tallic deposites, called by the French geologists amas, or blocks,

* Meaning those veins which usually cut the rocks or layers at a right angle, which
from being formed after the consolidation of the rocks in which they exist, are called non
contemporaneous, and are generally the depositories of metallic minerals.

[Assem. No. 161.] 26

202 [AssEmBLyY

or masses, from having great thickness, when compared with their
other dimensions, of which the gypsum at the outlet of Seneca lake
is an example for a stony mineral, and the lead of Missouri for a
metallic one.

Lastly. From the disposition of another class called stockwerkes
by the Germans, being a cluster of little veins, of which the sep-
taria of Lake Erie, were the cracks or fissures filled with metallic
minerals, would give a perfect idea, only on a small scale. In all
these different modes of appearance of the metallic minerals, I
again repeat, that their origin and that of the stony materials of
the rocks in which they occur, are one and contemporaneous.

The common occurrence, likewise, in western New-York, Ohio,
Kentucky, &c. of galena and blende in the body of the rock, and
in the cavities once occupied by fossil bodies, shews a common ori-
gin. So likewise of the various copper ores in the red sandstone
of New-Jersey and Pennsylvania;. numberless are the localities of
these ores in that rock where they form a part of the mass, and
but one or two instances only are known where regular veins ex-
ist. So also, like instances are innumerable in every part of the
world; but the former alone were chosen, in consequence of being
more particularly known to us all.

Of the second position, that of the crystallizable mineral or mine-
rals of the rock, forming the matter of the vein, we may say the
evidences from individual instances are without number.

In the innumerable veins of gneiss rock, we have its three con-
stituents, quartz, feldspar and mica, in larger particles than in the
rock, and so arranged as to form granite, but of a kind altogether
peculiar to the rock, and often embracing those minerals which ex-
ist disseminated in the rock. In granite, veins are equally nume-
rous, and of granite likewise, but destitute of the accompanying
minerals of the gneiss. In all quartzose rocks, the veins are of
quartz. So in limestone, the matter of the veins ts carbonate of
lime. If the rock be of argillite, containing carbonate of lime,
the veins will be of quartz, and the latter mineral. These instan-
ces suffice, though more might be adduced, to show that a marked
connexion exists between the crystallizing mineral composition of
the rock and the vein, a cause and effect, a dependence that must
be the result of a general law, and not an arbitrary effect, as is
instanced in all volcanic dykes, and would be the case, were the

theory, or rather hypothesis correct, of igneous injection from be-
low. |

That changes innumerable after the consolidation of rocks have
gone on, are well known to most geologists. No fact is more
common, than the substitution of crystallized carbonate of lime,
for the organic arrangement of testaceous and other lapideous bo;
dies. Mineral substitutions of quartz, pyrites and many other sub-
stances, have numberless examples, both on a small and on a large
scale. In the mining region of Temoxcaltepec, in Mexico, where
a great number of the mines are in argillite containing carbonate
of lime, the stony part of the veins or matrix is composed of quartz,
and carbonate of lime. If the rock be decomposed, and the instan-
ces are numerous, and often for hundreds of feet in depth, the
whole of the carbonate of lime of the vein is replaced by quartz,
the latter often presenting by substitution, the forms belonging to
the calcareous mineral. In those decomposed veins, the metallic
minerals exist in combinations wholly different from those which
they exhibited in the undecomposed state of the veins.

The tendency of similar particles to unite to each other, is in
proportion to the force of crystallization, exemplified by the fre-
quency of form, and structure of the masses, of any given materi-
al. So powerful is this force, that though particles of carbonate
of lime in crystallizing cannot force sand from their sphere, as is
evidenced in the Fontainbleu grés, yet sand is no obstacle to the
assumption of theirform. Mud offers no resistance to crystalliza-
tion, as experiments in our laboratories, of alum and other salts,
fully prove. This fact is often exhibited in nature, and by many
mineral substances; but in none more beautifully exemplified, than
by common or rock salt: the salt having separated from the marl
which surrounds or envelopes it, whilst the latter was in a dessi-
cating state. So also in the highly interesting deposition of gyp-
sum at the outlet of Seneca lake; there this mineral is seen, not
in beds, like all mechanical or sedimentary depositions, but in de-
tached masses, with rounded outline, separated from each other,
and enclosed by the indurated marl, each mass of gypsum having
acted as a centre of crystallization, ejecting the marl and collect-
ing to itself all those kindred particles within the range of its
sphere. Similar illustrations are likewise exhibited in the semi-
crystallized matter of the nodules of the flint in chalk; in the horn-
stone of the cornitiferous limerock of Professor Haton—in the con-

204 | ASSEMBLY

cretions likewise of the shale of Chenango and Broome counties,
and the concretions and septaria of the shore of Lake Erie.

A further proof of the influence of crystallization is derived from
the stony materials which form the predominant portion of all
metallic veins. These minerals form the gangue or matrix of the
ores; being those which commonly present crystalline forms, or a
crystalline arrangement of their particles. ‘They are quartz, car-
bonate of lime, fluate of lime, and sulphate of barytes—all which
minerals are foreign to known volcanic products. Quartz and car-
bonate of lime enter largely into the composition of rocks; and the
two latter minerals are as often found in the interior of rocks,
though not in the same abundance as in the veins. The same
proof is also exhibited in the ores of veins, all of them presenting
the crystalline state.

Finally, the fact that the fracture of a rock, be it of what kind
it may, from the granite upwards, exhibits moisture when just de-
tached from its position in the quarry, shows that the mineral par-
ticles of rock are not in contact with each other, having an inter-
posed fluid.* It is even so with common gun-flint, compact as it
is; this substance when recently dug being brittle, but acquiring
toughness by exposure to the air, which dissipates its moisture.

This condition of the particles of rocks, aided by the degree of
heat to which all the older rocks have been subjected, and which
tended to a greater separation, and greater mobility of particles,
highly favors the theory of segregation, giving a vehicle for the
action of crystallization, without which, like life in like circumstan-
ces, it is equally passive.

Moreover, from the knowledge acquired from the myriads of
veins in Mexico, there appears to be no necessary connexion be-
tween the richness of a vein and its depth, depending, as it must,
upon the regular or irregular distribution of its metallic mineral
matter in the rock; this mineral matter being subjected to crystal-
lization, gravitation, as in the case with life, would to a certain
degree, be counteracted by that force. | ,

It may not be irrelevant here to remark, from having, in part, ©
adverted to it in the beginning of this report, and from its impor-
tance to science, that in no country of the world, so far as observa-
tion has been made, has the student of geology so many advanta-

LL SS SSS SSP SSD

* Called in analysis, hygrometric moisture.

No. 161.] 205

ges for the examination of the transition and primitive classes, as
in our highly favored country. Our series of rock masses are few,
their range is uninterrupted, with partial exceptions, from the
north to the south, and from the east to the west, almost through-
out the whole Union. This is owing to our having but one gene-
ral direction for our range of mountains, and these mountains of
limited elevation, whose uplifting being the chief cause of the de-
rangement of the original position of our rocks, its disturbing in-
fluence to the west has not extended much beyond the region of
anthracite coal.

2Qdly. To the absence of another disturbing cause, that of local
volcanic action. The fact is truly remarkable, in an extent of
country so great, for within the limits of the States there are none
known, excepting those of an age coeval with the range of the old-
red sandstone of Mr. Maclure, east of the mountains, and seeming-
ly confined to that range.

3dly. To the uplifting bodily of the whole west, without de-
rangement productive of difficulty to the examiner, followed by sub
sequent denudation in the direction of Lake Ontario, which so un-
covered the rocks of the third and fourth districts, as to present a
series of broad steps or terraces, over which, in going from south
to north, in descending from one to another, you ascend in their
chronological order.

Lastly. To the absence of an almost entire class of rock, com-
prising all that part of the secondary, between the coal and the
cretaceous group, or chalks of Europe, which, forming as it does,
by far the larger part of the surface of that continent, and from its
computed thickness, in England, of two thirds of a mile, will give
some idea of the advantage of their absence, for the study of older
rocks. ‘The presence of the secondary class, of the same compa-
rative extent as in Europe, with the same thickness, on the autho-
rity of the Reverend Mr. Buckland, as in England, would, if su-
perimposed upon our rocks, so depress them as probably to be be-
yond the reach of our observation. The elevation of our rocks,
being owing to geological dynamics, and their retention at their
present elevation, to the equilibrium of opposing forces.

This absence, in so large a portion of the United States, of those
more recent rocks, which elsewhere form so large a portion of the
earth’s surface, conclusively shows, that as all that part was up-

206 [ ASSEMBLY

lifted at the close of the transition period, this so calied new world,
at least our portion of it, is, geologically, for its extent, the oldest
known.

This early uplifting of our transition, admirably explains why it
is that a great salt deposition, which, in Europe, finds a place in
the secondary, should here be in the transition class. Salt is equal-
ly a product of the transition of both continents, but there it is par-
tial, from the partial exposition of the transition; its presence there
shows that the condition for its deposition equally existed on that
continent; whereas the extent of the transition here being analo-
gous to the extent of the secondary there, the development of our
deposition of salt has been in accordance’ with the extent, or scale,
of our transition.

This early extensive uplifting of our transition, also explains the
total absence of all those so called, undoubted, volcanic products,
which, in Europe, are more modern than the cretaceous group.
None but those hitherto called dubious, such for instance as ac-
company the red sandstone, being found within the limits of the
States. This early uplifting, and comparative little elevation, be-
ing the result of the great depth and great extent to which the
cooling of our portion of the globe, at that early period, had at-
tained, and fully explains our exemption from earthquakes and
stability of our land. A few comparisons with some parts of Eu-
rope best known, will fully elucidate this point.

The Alps, according to Mr. Elie de Beaumont, from ample geo-
logical evidence, attained their present elevation after the deposi-
tion of the cretaceous group. The Pyrenees, whose height reaches
to 10,000 feet, are covered with a secondary limestone, and like
the Alps, were uplifted during the tertiary period, each acquiring
at that period a height of several thousand feet.

In the United States, to the east of the Mississippi, the tertiary,
with its accompanying secondary, in no place attains a greater
elevation than probably 200 feet above the ocean, .and so gradual
has been its rise along the whole of the coast of the United States,
extending up the Mississippi valley to the southern part of Tenne-
see, as to appear as though the ocean had gradually receded from

it.

No. 161.] 207

We have said that in the United States proper, no trace of the
undoubted volcanic products has been found, whilst in France there
exists, from Auvergne to the mouths of the Rhone, upwards of
two hundred extinct volcanoes. Extinct volcanoes are numerous
along the borders of the Rhine, and in other parts of Germany, and
Hungary. Italy is full of these products; they are common in
Spain, Iceland, Ireland and Scotland; in fine, there are few parts,
of any great extent, of that continent, that do not contain them.

Of all the phenomena of inanimate nature, none are more re-
markable, or of more importance, than the uplifting of the rocks
which forms the crust of our globe, whether considered in relation
to all organized life, to whose existence it is essential, or from the
extraordinary circumstance, that in every part of our globe the in-
clined rocks, with exceptions not affecting the general law, pursue
a north-northeast and south-southwest direction, or when not in-
clined, one of the series of rocks, or parallel fissures, common to all
rocks, pursue the direction of the disturbing forces, so far as my
observations have extended; or finally, from the simple means used
to produce this stupendous result,

That the crust of the earth has been uplifted, is a position which
geoligists now concede, for independent of the difficulty of finding
a cause adequate to the forming of caverns to contain the disap-
peared water, and which shall be in conformity with the laws dis-
played in creation; no cause can be found upon that supposition,
adequate to produce that appearance of successive series of rocks,
which extend, though not continuously, over the whole surface.
Besides it is in opposition to all the facts acquired, either by expe-
rience, experiment, or observation, as to the nature of the interior
of the earth.

Experience shows, that all water met with in mining comes from
the surface. It is all fresh water, excepting in those instances
where salt exists either in mass, or disseminated throughout the
rock; no cavities are found in rocks, excepting those of limestone,
and the caverns there existing are all, or were once all, above the
_ ocean’s level, and have been formed by surface running water.
Moreover, the opinion is inadmissable from the density of the globe
being about three times greater than the rock at the surface, from
the non-accordance, also, with the mass of facts obtained from a
knowledge of the whole series of rocks, including all volcanic phe-
nomena likewise; and finally, from the fact, that by observation

208 7 [AssEMBLy |

with the thermometer the temperature of the earth below the point
of no variation, increases, in descending perpendicularly, one de-
gree for about 80 feet of depth

The increase of heat of one degree for 80 feet of perpendicular
depth, or which is the same, 75 degrees for every mile of that
depth, will give us for a crust of 200 miles in thickness, a tempe-
rature greater than the medium welding heat of iron. In the
same ratio, at less than 400 miles, from the known fusibility of the
components of our crust, we have igneous fluidity as an essential
permanent condition of our planet, furnishing to those parts of its
surface, where active volcanoes exist, a constant supply of their
_ liquid materials.

From the fact, that in every part of the globe the composition
of the crust below those rocks which contain organic remains, is
crystalline rocks; that those rocks are co-extensive with the whole
fluid mass. Knowing that the effect of crystallization is_expan-
sion; that to this property water, in freezing, bursts our conduit
pipes, splits our trees, and rends our rocks; as a consequence too,
crystallized bodies float upon their fluid material; an expansion of
a crust, of a few hundred miles in thickness, from the known ex-
pansion of many mineral substances in crystallizing, gives us an ele-
vation greater than the height of any mountain known, and to this
force, as a primary cause, we owe our uplifted rocks, our moun-
tain chains and parallel fissures. :

Combining with the expansive force of crystallization, the effect
of its taking place, or operating layer by layer, or rock by rock;
likewise the tides and currents of the fluid mass, its oscillations and
undulations; likewise the risings and fallings of an unstable surface,
and the difference of expansion arising from the heterogeneous na-
ture of the crust, and we have ample materials, not only for the
explanation of already collected stores of facts, but for the greatest
extension to explanatory geological investigation.

Besides this general cause of the uplifting of strata, others may
be mentioned; but their operation has been very limited in com-
parison with that of crystallization. The most obvious one is vol-
canic action, properly so called; but its results or effects, from
all known data, are so partial as to admit of no higher agency than

No. 161. | 209

that of an is or auxiliary, and that subsequently to all the
first acts of the first named cause.

Further, it may not be unimportant to mention, that crystalliza-
tion is to inorganic, what life is to organic matter. As the latter
has fashioned the protean forms of animated nature, has filled the
earth with countless myriads, and heaped them up in mountain
“masses; the former, though always the humble subordinate, has
been no small instrument of the allwise beneficence. In no part
of the crust of the earth has this power been passive: to it alone
we owe all our mineral species; and in collecting and arranging
the various atoms of which they are composed, and by which they
have become known to*us, it has, as a primary cause, given us our
‘plains, our vales, our hills, our mountains, and our continents.

The division of the western area, comprising the third and fourth
geological districts of the State, having been made with reference
to two important productsy salt and coal, and not in accordance
with those principles which guide the geologist in commencing and
pursuing his investigations, aware how futile the expectation of
finding the bituminous coal measures within that area, it was sug-
gested, and cordially: met your approbation, that a new division
should be made, in conformity with all the other interests of the
survey.

_ By the new arrangement which has been formed, the dividing
line of the third and fourth districts is nearly north and south, for-
med by the east boundary of Wayne county, the east border of
Cayuga Lake; thence by Ithaca to the dividing line of Chemung
and Tioga counties, and by that line to Pennsylvania. The divi-
sion east of that line will form the third district, and the division
west, the fourth district; the former, or third district, is now char-
ged upon us. This division, though of less importance as regards
coal, still embraces all the salines, though not the whole of the
salt depositions; but should it be deemed important to restore that —
part of it which is now assigned to the fourth district, no difficul-
4y or inconvenience, 1 should suppose, can attend that, or any like
minor arrangement.

No State in the Union affords such facilities for the examina-
tion of its rock masses as New-York. The whole range of the
western rocks, forming a parallel with Lake Ontario, rising from
extensive terraces, the one above the other, with all that simple

[Assem. No. 161.] | Dy |

210 [ ASSEMBLY

but imposing grandeur which characterizes the broad outlines of
nature. From this cause, unique as it is, displaying to the eye
and unfolding to the mind upon a giant scale their order of succes-
sion, that truly may it be said, that the rocks of New-York are
the key to the geology of all those co-extensive masses, which ter-
minate only in the far west. :

*

It was over the verge of one of these terraces, now traced by |
the delighted eye from the Lakes to the Hudson, that those streams
flowed, which subsequently collecting and uniting into a narrower
channel, formed that ‘ thunder of the waters,” which no one can
see, but feels his insignificance, and the mepress of the paw of
the mightiest of the mighty. — oe 7

sll -

The inconvenience of the ea arrangement as regarded faci-.
lities for geological investigation was exceedingly great. Ranging
as the rocks do from east to west, the sandstones and shales exten-
ding beyond the bounds of the fourth district; beginning as we did
at Chenango, we saw no other rock throughout that long line of
frontier counties, with the few exceptions already mentioned. The
great uniformity of the sandstone and shales, though affording am-
ple evidence of their position as regarded the bituminous coal series
of Pennsylvania; yet, from the rapid manner of examination, made
necessary by the shortness of the season, with the fossils for our
principal guide, whose species and order of arrangement in the di-
vision of these rocks being unknown, with the exception of those
in the counties of Chenango and Broome, no little difficulty attend-
ed our reconnoissance. With the change now made, each district
embracing nearly the whole series of the western area—from the
limited length of the line of the section at right angles to the di- -
rection of the series, every facility is afforded for the removal of
whatever difficulty as to superposition may occur.

To conclude—so recent has been the introduction of geological
investigations in our country, that no apology is offered for the
manner in which we terminate our report. It is well known that
a small number of mankind yield to that instinctive propensity.
which leads to a knowledge of the works of creation, regardless of
all practical or ultimate end; whilst the larger portion direct their
energies to the attainment of objects of immediate utility. The
obvious providence is, as the two propensities rarely exist in the
same individual, that whatever discovery the former in the pro-
gress of his investigations may make, becomes by the applicative

ae i

Td

No. 161.] | 211

habit of the latter, subservient to the well-being of all. In this way
it is, that man’s power, colossal as it is, has been obtained; and
though his discoveries have been truly great, yet what is known
forms but a limited scale or measure by which to estimate what
the future orcas:

In a report of a reconnoissance of a division of the State, form-

© ed with reference to the discovery of a particular fossil product,

limited likewise as to time, and embracing so extensive a country,
no important result could be expected, unless from the unpublished
discoveries of others, or what mere chance might have revealed.
Yet who can doubt the ultimate adv atitaws of the survey ! believ-
ing that ‘‘nothing was made i in vain,”’ and that all things can be
“made subservient to*the purposes . ® iark Is it not true, all things

“else being the same, that amongst the various races and nations of

men, those who in proportion to, the extent in which they make
the earth tributary to them, rise in the scale of humanity? Be-
sides, is not negative knowledge of importance? Do not hundreds
seek for coul, where none can’exist? and is it not so with tin, an-
timony, and many other mineral products? A survey is a cheap
way of acquiring and imparting knowledge. It makes known, for
example, what are the rocks which have been created in any given
country, for instance our district, and what are the minerals asso-_
ciated with them. Should any discovery that is new and impor-
tant, elsewhere be made in like rocks, knowing of the discovery,
we at once enter with sanguineness upon a search for the same.

A knowledge of geology destroys confidence in empirics, a source
of evil in the direct ratio of ignorance. When we know, as we
do, that the superposition of rocks and the association of minerals
are the result of certain laws, we discard all that savors of the
mystical.

~

Many probably may consider that the subject of geology offers
no motive for its study beyond what the mineral wealth of its rocks
may unfold; but to those who have pursued it, even in its earlier
and then comparatively barren days, its attractions were irresisti-
ble. What ought it now to be! since wealth, talent, power, are
employed in unfolding its wondrous, nay most marvellous truths.
From its interior having been considered as an uniform mass, the
earth is not guly now regarded as the work of the Lord, but the
book, the record of creation, to whose truths more sceptics are to
be found, than to the truths of revelation. The layers of which

~

7
« ’ yy

212 [AssempLy

the earth is composed are the lea¥Ves of the book, none of which
are without instructiqn; and in their whole we see a display of suc-
cessive creations, and that too of countless ages, rivalling i in won-
der, and drawing as much upon our imagination, as do the fictions
of the east upon their youthful reader. These successive creations
doubtless were preparative to each other, and of the present, the
final. or Mosaic one—being in this that man for the first time ap-
pears; and in his creation, as we have good reason to believe, the *
successive creations find their ultimate limit.

LARDNER VANUXEM, State Geclosiah,.

JAMES. RIGHTS, “Assistant. ae
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A

STATE OF NEW-YORK.

No. 338.

IN ASSEMBLY,
| April 28, 1840

REPORT

Of the select committee, on so much of the Gover-
nor’s Message as relates to the Geological Sur-
vey. :

Mr. Denniston, from the select committee on so much of the Gover-
nor’s Message as relates to the Geological Survey,

REPORTS:

Your committee have learned, from the superficial investigation
which they have been able to give the important and interesting sub-
ject committed to their care, that the attention of the Legislature was
directed to a Geological Survey of the State at an early period. Go-
vernor Clinton, in his last annual message, and in former messages, re-
commended legislative encouragement to mineralogical researches
throughout the State. The principal object.then had in view, was the
discovery of coal beds, which, from various geological indications, were
believed to be located within our limits. ‘The immense value of that
article to our country, was, at that time, well understood ; and subse-
quent experience has shown that its value has not, and cannot be over-

rated.

It was not, however, until the year 1835, that efficient measures
were taken by the Legislature to accomplish a general Geological Sur-
vey of the State. The Assembly of that year, seem to have been
awakened to the acknowledged obligations of government to advance

[Assembly, No. 338. ] 1

2 | ASSEMBLY

the cause of science and learning, and to develope, as far as possible,
the internal resources and wealth of the State, that individual industry
and enterprise might be encouraged and the public prosperity pro-
moted.

The American Institute of the city of New-York, enjoys the distin-
guished honor of having, on that occasion, called the attention of the
State to the importance of this subject. ‘Their memorial to the Legis-
lature in 1835, appears to have formed the basis of the legislation,
which authorized the Geological Survey now in progress. The ex-
ample of our sister States, Maryland, Tennessee, New-Jersey, Mas-
sachusetts and Virginia, in all of which geological researches had been
instituted by law, were appealed to in that memorial to encourage the
Legislature no longer to postpone measures to explore the geological
and mineralogical wealth of our extended territory.

These researches being, both in an economical and scientific point of
view, of so much importance to the interests of the whole people of the
State, and being required to be made at great expense, and with great
labor, and during a long period of time, and by scientific persons of
competent ability, were believed to be too onerous to be undertaken by
individual enterprise or by any of the scientific institutions of the State,
and very proper to be conducted under the patronage of the Legisla-
ture.

Accordingly, the House of Assembly of that year, in order that the
Geological Survey might be undertaken, with proper method adopted
the following resolution.

Resolved, 'That the Secretary of State be requested to report to the
Legislature, at its next session, the most expedient method of obtain-
ing a complete Geological Survey of the State, which shall furnish a
scientific and perfect account of its rocks, soils and minerals, and of
their localities ; a list of all its mineralogical, botanical and zoological
productions, and provide for procuring and preserving specimens of the
same ; together with an estimate of the expenses which may attend
the prosecution of the design and of the cost of publication, of an edi- _
tion of three thousand copies of the report, drawings, and geological
map of its results.

The Secretary of State, on the 6th of January, of the following year,
submitted a long and elaborate réport in obedience to the above resolu-

No. 338.] 3

tion. Soon after the adjournment of the previous Legislature, the Se-
cretary of State had addressed a circular letter, containing a copy of
the resolution of the Assembly, to a large number of scientific gentle-
men, in different parts of the country, requesting the communication
of their views in relation to the proposed survey. ‘This was done in
order that he might avail himself of the best information which the
country afforded in discharging the duty which had been devolved upon

him.

The plan of the survey which the Secretary of State proposed, your
committee believe to have been as perfect as the circumstances of the
case would admit.

That plan divided the State into four geological districts. The pri-
mitive and transition formations along the Hudson river, from Wash-
ington and Saratoga counties, and including the Catskill mountains and
the Highlands to the southeastern extremity of the State, were thrown
into the first district. ‘The northern primitive formation, from Lake
George to the St. Lawrence river, including Hamilton county, compri-
ses the second district. ‘The counties including the Salt Springs, were
assigned to the third district. And most of the counties in which a
continuation of the coal formation of Pennsylvania might be expected
to be found, to the fourth district.

The time assigned for the completion of the survey was four years,
which will expire in July next. With respect to the botanical, zoolo-
gical and paleontological departments, the division of the State into
districts has nothing todo. These subjects, from their nature, are in-
divisible. ‘The expense of the survey, including the final reports, was
estimated at $104,000.

The plan of the survey which was then submitted included many de-
tails, which, for the purpose of this report, it is unnecessary to repeat.

The progress of the survey thus far has been mainly according to
the original plan. Not as many surveyors have been employed as it
contemplated. Consequently, the time allotted for the survey will be
insufficient. Your committee believe, however, that the original esti-
mate of the expense will not be much, if any, exceeded.

The condition of the survey is such, that it will be utterly impossi-
ble to complete it in a manner commensurate with its objects and the cha-

4 [AssEMBLY

racter of the State, during the time originally assigned for its comple-
tion. Several counties are yet entirely unexplored, and several others
only partially explored. ‘The constant labor of the geologists will be
required in the field until next November. The winter season follow-
ing will be required for making the annual report and arranging the
collections in the building, which shall be appropriated for that purpose.
The season*following will be required for a re-examination of some
portions of the State, for the supplying any deficiencies which shall be
found to exist in the collections after their arrangement; and for the
preparation of maps, sections and other drawings, together with the
final report. ‘The amount of labor to be done in the field, the arrange-
ment of the collection, and the preparation of the report will render it
quite impossible to complete it with any degree of perfection in a
shorter period of time.

Your committee believe that in order to reap the full benefit of what
has already been done, it will require the time above specified to finish
the survey and present the results to the public in a useful and intelli-
gible manner. The department of mineralogy and chemical analysis
embraces the whole State with all its metals, minerals and soils. Not-
withstanding the vast amount of labor to be performed, this department
has had no assistant until last year. Five whole counties, and por-
tions of from fifteen to twenty others, are yet to be examined. The
mineral resources of the State have proved more ample than was sup-
posed. A detailed account of what has been done and of what re-
mains to be done in this department is contained in the report of the
present year. ‘The final report of this department, if permitted by the
Legislature to be completed, will embrace a full account of the mine-
ralogy of the State of New-York with its application to agriculture and
the arts. It includes the collection for the State cabinet and the de-
scription and analysis of the minerals, mineral waters, ores and soils of
the State.

Your committee are informed and believe that it will require at least
one year for the field work, and six months for that which is to be done
in the laboratory, to bring this portion of the Geological Survey to a
reasonable completion.

The botanical department contemplates a thorough examination of
the vegetable productions of the State, including the history and use of
every tree, shrub, plant, grass, weed and moss. General directions

No. 338.] 5

were given in the original plan of the survey to collect and preserve
seven sets of each species of vegetable production, and to arrange and
name the whole. It is intended in the final 1eport from this department
to give, in as popular language as the subject will admit, a full descrip-
tion of all the plants in the State, with an account of their economical
and medicinal uses.

Your committee are informed and believe that at least another year
will be required to complete the field labor of this department. Full
time shoufld be allowed, and the exploration continued as long as new
discoveries can be made.

They believe that if proper attention be given to economical as well
as scientific botany, and the labor of this department be directed to pre-
pare a useful as well as scientific flora, that the expenditure of money
required will be a very triflmg consideration compared with the im-
mense benefits that will ensue.

The zoological department seems to have contemplated in the origi-
nal plan of the survey an accurate description and figure of all the spe-
cies of animals found within the limits of the State. ‘This will prove a
most laborioustask ; and it is hardly possible that it can be performed with-
in any reasonable time. It is believed that the fauna of the State of New-
York will include the greatest portion of the zoology of this country.
The final report will include, as far as possible, short notices of all the
animals described as inhabiting the United States, with reference to
the sources from whence those notices are derived, with figures and de-
scriptions of all animals, birds, fishes, insects and reptiles within this
State, an account of their habits and pccneente range, with their value
and utility or hurtfulness to man.

The gentleman who has charge of this department informs your
committee, that it will require two years more of unremitting labor, to
complete his final report in any manner satisfactory to himself or use-
ful to the public.

The department of paleontology will require nearly or quite two
years to bring it to a useful and honorable conclusion. Organic re-
mains constitute the basis of modern geology. A want of close obser-
vation and persevering study in this department, would throw discredit
over the whole survey, and greatly impair its usefulness. The plan of
the survey contemplates the figuring and description of the organic re-

6 [ ASSEMBLY

mains of the various formations within the State, with a stratagraphi-
ca] arrangement of them as exhibited in each particular series of strata
in their chronological order. Organic remains constitute, perhaps, the
most interesting portion of natural history. ‘They may be considered
as indisputable records of the process of the formation and structure of
the crust of the globe, which the learned geologist can decipher with
unerring certainty. Reading from them the relative ages of rock forma-
tions, and the particular character of the rock, on which he may be, he
has a directory to guide him in his search for minerals. Other depart-
ments of geology will designate what particular minerals may be found
in any particular rock. The paleontologist will figure and describe
the organic remains peculiar to the same rock. The individual has
only to collect a few organic remains, and compare them with the figures
furnished him, and he immediately learns whether the rock may contain
any valuable minerals, and how he stands in regard to other rocks, which
may contain coal, salt or iron. Thus an index will be furnished, by which
searches for the mineral wealth of the State will be greatly facilitated.

From this brief sketch of the condition of the survey, it is very evi-
dent to your committee, that an abrupt discontinuance of it at the ex-
piration of the time contemplated in the original plan, would greatly
injure its usefulness and dishonor the whole enterprise. It is believed
it will require no further appropriation to complete it, and they have
therefore come to the conclusion that it will be carrying out the views
of the Legislature, which authorized the survey, and meet the appro-
bation of the people, to authorize its continuance until the first Tues-
day in January one thousand eight hundred and forty-two.

The report of the Geologists, which has been referred to your com-
mittee, states, that in their opinion, it is of great importance that the
various levels which have been taken by engineers in the service of the
State and of private companies, should be collected and preserved.

There are many points of view in which a knowledge of the eleva-
tions of different portions of the State may be considered of importance.
By these alone, a general system of the topography of the State can
be laid down, and the important features presented on a map. ‘To ge-
ologists, it is peculiarly important in enabling them to designate the
points of elevation attained by different rocks and groups relatively and
precisely, and exhibit them on a map. Hence they would be enabled

to designate by numbers the elevation of a certain rock at different

points along its course, thus furnishing a guide for inferring the rela-

No. 338.] 4

tive position of the same rock at a distance from any point of observa-
tion. Such knowledge would be of immense importance in the vicini-
ty of mineral beds, guiding the observer in his search, and directing
him to higher or lower elevations, as the case may be. In this State,
the direction or bearing of the stratified rocks is nearly east and west.
By knowing the elevations at different points, a certain rock stratum
can be exhibited in all its degrees of elevation, from the Hudson river
to Lake Erie. In many instances, we may thus determine the thick-
ness of important formations when portions of them are obscure and
cannot be examined without excavation ; and also be able to state the
depth at which any certain rock lies below the one we are investigat-
ing ; for, though the connexion may be clear enough, the absolute
thickness of the higher rock may need to be ascertained. Without this
knowledge of elevations, the geological maps would necessarily be very
imperfect; but these once designated on the maps, their importance
will be acknowledged in their practical application. For mere refe-
rence, such a map will be of great value, as it will indicate the height
above the sea of several points in every county in the State, and at the
same time, the colours would indicate the rocks which occupy those po-
sitions.

Your committee believing that the collection and preservation of the
maps, plans, surveys and levels made in the construction of our public
works, are very proper in reference to those works, as well as to the
Geological Survey, have no hesitation in recommending the passage of
a law for that purpose.

The only remaining topic to be considered, is the necessity of pro-
viding rooms of sufficient magnitude to contain a full and comprehen-
sive collection of the natural productions of the State of New-York, and
exhibit at one view, its animal, vegetable and mineral wealth.

The want of such rooms has prevented the Geologists from arrang-
ing and displaying the collections already made, during the winter
months, when field labor cannot be performed. There have been ob-
tained upwards of 400 boxes of specimens, which are now stored away
in-arude and unsafe manner, in rooms temporarily assigned for that
purpose. It may be further stated, that it is absolutely necessary to
unpack and arrange these specimens before the survey can be com-
pleted ; because if specimens should be found wanting, more time will

8 [ ASSEMBLY

be required to supply the deficiency. Moreover, the final reports can-
not be satisfactorly ocmpleted until this shall be done.

The Geologists are of opinion that the three rooms in the second
story of the old State Hall would be sufficiently large, and form a very
proper place for the State Museum.

It appears from the report of the Trustees of the new State Hall,
(vide Assembly Document 286, of 1840,) that the old State Hall and
lot on which it stands, are not at the absolute disposal of the State; that
the title will revert to the corporation of the city of Albany, as scon as
it ceases to be appropriated for the specific purposes for which it was
granted. ‘The Trustees further state, that they have had an interview
with a committee of the common council of said city, and are authoriz-
ed to say that any arrangement will be made with the Commissioners
of the Land Office respecting such enlargement and modification of
the grant as may be desired by the State. Your committee, therefore,
recommend the passage of a law authorizing the Commissioners of
the Land Office to secure such further grant.

In case such object shall be attained, an appropriation will be requir-
ed to fit up and prepare the old State Hall for geological purposes.

Your committee deem it their duty to present, in as brief a manner
as possible, some of the results already produced by this survey, and
to suggest some considerations why it should be continued to a repu-
table completion.

It has, thus far, excited great attention among the people ; its annu-
al reports have been sought for with great avidity, and it is believed to
be a very popular, as it will doubtless be, a very useful enterprise. __

The Geologists have furnished your committee with a brief statement
of the benefits conferred on the State by their labors thus far in an eco-
nomical point of view.

In the northern part of the State the iron ore beds have been exa-
mined and many new ones discovered. The immense deposits of this
ore near the sources of the Hudson river, the existence of which was
barely known, have been traced to the fullest extent and shown to be
perfectly inexhaustible ; and that they do not suffer in comparison with
the iron mountain of Missouri. ‘These beds of ore will at some future

No. 338.] 9

day become a source of immense wealth to the people of this State.
On the Champlain side of this district they have been shown to be
much more extensive than before supposed. On the St. Lawrence side
of the district the beds of specular iron ore have been examined and many
new ones added to the list of those before known. This ore, which
has been worked in but one or two places and much of it considered
unfit for working, is now sought for and proves to make the best of iron.
It is the same as-the famous Elba ore. The limits of the formation
containing lead and iron have been traced, and the general features de-
scribed ; this will prevent much fruitless search in positions, where the
ore cannot be found. Many indications of new mines of iron ore as
well as of copper have been pointed out.

Kaolin or porcelain clay has been discovered in great abundance.
Verde antique marble, a very beautiful variety, has been found in seve-
ral localities, and will doubtless furnish a material equal to that which
is imported. In the first as well as in the second district the iron ores,
the beds of peat, tufa, marl, lead and marble, have’ been described and
their value shown, both immediately and by their application to agri-
culture and the arts: also a great variety of other valuable minerals
have been discovered. The deposits of iron ore in the county of
Orange, which are easy of access and have the most complete facili-
ties for cheap mining, are perfectly inexhaustible ; and the quantity of
iron to be made in all time to come can only be limited by the supply
of coal necessary for the reduction of the ores. It is believed that if
the necessary coal could be procured, that ten millions of dollars might
be profitably invested in the working of these mines ; which would re-
quire, perhaps, nearly half as many millions of agricultural capital to
sustain them.

In the western part of the State the true position and region of the
brine springs have been indicated; thus setting at rest forever the
question of fossil salt, and preventing the expenditure of money in its
search. The Geologists consider this of vast importance to the State :
for by this knowledge, when the present springs shall become exhaust-
ed, we may go to the rock which gives origin to the waters and there
obtain a new supply.

The iron ore beds of western New-York have been indicated and
their extent ascertained which was not before known. The true posi-
tion of the gypsum and its associated rocks have been shown. The red

[Assembly, No. 338.] 2

10 [ASSEMBLY

marly sandstone of Rochester, Medina and other places, had, before
this survey, been confounded with the red marl or shale of Salina,
which constitutes the floor of the salt springs. Their similarity had
caused the one to be mistaken for the other. From Wayne county,
westward, numerous excavations and borings have been made in this
rock for salt water containing a small portion of saline matter, and from
which salt was formally manufactured, it was supposed that deep bor-
ing would discover the same fountain as at Salina. This rock, the Ge-
ologists are now prepared to say, will never yield salt water of good
quality in any considerable quantities.

The limits of the formation containing gypsum have been definitely
pointed out, which will doubtless induce future search to be made for
it in places where it lies too deep for profitable quarrying at present.

Beds of marl, tufa, muck or peat have been observed in great numbers;
and the value of these materials has been shown. Some few individuals
have used the latter with great success as a manure ; and the use of it
is constantly increasing.

These are but a few of the immediate effects of the survey. Others
of similar kind might be named in almost every town. But it cannot
be expected that the full benefit of the survey will be attained until the
final report and the map are placed before the public. On the map
will be accurately indicated by name and colour, every individual for-
mation, its extent and direction, and the towns it passes through; also
the deposits of more valuable substances, so that a person may ascer-
tain by referring to the map the localities of any important article he
may be in search of. It will thus tend to give a true and permanent
value to the soil, by indicating the geological formations which consti-
tute the different portions of the State. Our knowledge then will not
consist in insulated facts. It will be systematized and always available
for practical purposes. ‘We shall have a true knowledge of our iron,
lead, copper and other metalliferous rocks, of the regions which produce
porcelain clay, marble and other valuable articles, of the salt and gyp-
sum formations, and what has been considered of vast importance, the
relative position of the coal formation.

Heretofore the general knowledge of all this has been confined to
disconnected facts. Search has been made in almost every rock for-
mation in the State for coal, and in many for silver and the precious ~
metals.

No. 338. ] 11

When the Geological Survey was commenced, very little was known
in reference to the position of the rocks, or of the classes to which
they belonged. Coal was sought for in the slates of the Hudson river,
and in the black shales of the west, and it had been proposed to bore
through the red sandstone of Rochester for the same mineral. In this
state of things, without any certain knowledge, it was of the utmost
importance that geological investigations should be instituted, to clear
up difficulties and furnish an unerring guide in the search for useful
materials.

The Geologists have proceeded to their work, having in view the
great object of settling permanently the position of our rock formations.
They have been able to decide the position of the true coal formation,
and to show that the rocks where it has been sought are far below it,
and consequently such seareh will be fruitless.

Every year, individuals or companies are met with, who are boring
or digging in some one of the dark shales of the western and southern
part of the State for coal. ‘The information diffused by this survey
will convince every one of the utter uselessness of this labor, and show
the true position of the rocks. ‘To accomplish this object, time will be
necessary to lay down accurately on a map, the extent and limits of the
several formations. Negative knowledge can be given when positive
knowledge cannot be obtained, that is, if localities of coal cannot be
shown, it can be proved that it does not exist where now sought. From
data obtained in various parts of the State, your committee are inform-
ed that nearly ten times the cost of this whole survey has been expend-
ed by individuals and associations in fruitless search for this mineral.
This is but one example among many. Other minerals and metals
have been sought in rocks where it was equally impossible to find them,
though perhaps not to the same extent, or with as much expense as
coal.

Your committee believe that when the results of the Geological Sur-
vey shall be spread before the people, all these vain enterprises will
be abandoned, and the labor now foolishly wasted be directed to profita-
ble pursuits.

The scientific character of this work commends it also to the most
favorable regard of the Legislature. ‘The final report of this survey,
if prepared as the public have reason to expect, will be superior to any
thing of the kind which has as yet been presented to the world. The

12 [ ASssEMBLY

system of rocks which occupies the territory of this State, is more
complete than in any other country known. The number of fossils
contained in our transition rocks, or those of the silurean system, is
three times as great as in the same rocks in Europe, and it is only by
a knowledge of the organic remains that the true position of rocks can
be learned.

No country affords a better developed region of the primary rocks
than our own, and in no country are they more prolific in useful metals.
Tron, which marks the degree of civilization of every country, is found
in our State, in perhaps greater quantities than in any other equal ex-
tent of territory in the world, Lead is already wrought abundantly,
and it is probable that we do not yet know a twentieth part of the loca-
lities of this valuable ore. Copper has been found in many places, and
offers fair inducements to mining, though as yet little has been wrought.
Several other metals have been found, in small quantities, and will
doubtless, at some future time, be discovered more extensively, and
some sections of the State abound in the beautiful and rare minerals,
many of which are useful in the arts.

The Zoological and Botanical reports will also present a mass of va-
luable information in those departments, which will be of great practi-
cal utility.

Your committee do not believe that the advantages of this survey
will be confined simply to the information diffused by the final report.
A spirit of inquiry will be awakened in reference to this subject among
the whole people. An increased attention to geology and its kindred
subjects, will be given by our schools and seminaries of learning.

The materials for study are scattered all over the face of the earth,
as well as buried beneath its surface, and directions for their discovery
will be within the reach of every citizen. But a few years will elapse
pefore the useless searching for mines and minerals in every rock in-
discriminately, will give place to scientific and certain knowledge.
Hidden wealth will be brought to light and new sources of individual
and national prosperity developed.

A knowledge of geology in all its departments will be especially
interesting and useful to the agricultural population of our State. In
fact, no step can be taken in this survey without benefiting agriculture,
If the existence or character of a rock be pointed out, or the occur-

No. 338.] Sm

rence of marl, peat, tufa or clay be noticed, sooner or later it becomes
of advantage for agricultural purposes. Sandy soils can be rendered
of proper consistence, and clay soils light and productive, by using the
materials placed by nature within the means of every one, and gene-
rally upon every man’s farm.

* It is upon the relation which this survey sustains to agriculture, that
your committee more particularly delight to dwell. Our colleges, aca-
demies and seminaries of learning, teach very little that is of practical
utility in the cultivation of the soil. All education doubtless strength-
ens the mind, and prepares it for continued progressive improvement
in the knowledge of all subjects which fall under its observation in the
various relations of life. ‘‘ But it has not been sufficiently understood
that agriculture is a science as well as an art; that it demands the labor
of the mind as well as of the hands, and that its successful cultivation
is intimately allied with the most profound investigations of philosophy
and the most elaborate exertions of the human mind.”

To give to this first and best pursuit of man, high intellectual rank in
the estimation of public opinion, is now a great desideratum in human
improvement. How can this be accomplished otherwise, than by placing
within the reach of the sons of our farmers, the facilities for obtaining
an education, essentially agricultural. Being thoroughly acquainted
with the sciences of geology, mineralogy, chemistry, botany, and the
other departments of natural history, the cultivator of the soil would find
abundant occupation for his mind within the sphere of his daily avoca-
tions. ‘Thus the tameness of a rural life would be relieved by a suc-
cession of the most agreeable excitements. The book of nature would
be ever open for his perusal, and from its pages he would learn lessons
that would enlighten his understanding and improve his heart. Labor
would cease to be mere drudgery, requiring simply the exercise of
brute strength. ‘The exercise of the mind would lighten his toil. He
would discover in the administration of the laws of nature, which is
continually going on around him, every thing to excite his imagination
and arouse his intellect. While roaming over his farm and cultivating
his crops, his sphere of enjoyment would embrace all the pleasura-
ble excitements of poetry, and the severer contemplations of philoso-

phy.

‘The present time is most auspicious for directing public opinion to
the pleasures and profits of agricultural pursuits, to the sciences connect-

14 | ASSEMBLY

ed therewith, and the wide field of honor and usefulness which is now.
op for improvement on those subjects.

For many years past the current of business and of opinion, has been
toward our large cities. Commercial pursuits and the inordinate profits
of trade in all its ramifications, have been draining the country of the
choicest of her youth, and of her best educated and most enterprising
men. ‘The slow profits of agriculture and the tameness of a country
life, have not suited the excited temperament of the times. But a great
change is now taking place in public opinion, resulting from a reaction
in all the departments of trade. The prodigals in business, care worn
and oppressed, shorn of their strength and subdued in their spirit, are be-
ginning to understand that it is of more importance, so far as the great
ends of human life are concerned, to secure a quiet and peaceful com-
petency, with freedom from undue care and anxiety, than to hazard
their peace of mind, their pecuniary prosperity and the welfare of their
families, upon the uncertain ocean of commercial transactions. Hence
the retired and peaceful occupations of the farm are beginning more
than ever to elicit songs of praise from all men. Hence your commit-
tee believe there is at the present time a greater readiness than usual
in the public mind to discern the moral and pecuniary advantages of
an agricultural life, and to estimate more properly those studies which
are calculated to enhance its profits and pleasures, and elevate its intel-
lectual rank among the various occupations of man. Your committee
hope and believe that the Geological Survey of the State, from the
amount of information which it will disseminate on subjects about which
very little hitherto has been known, will lay the foundation for a broad
system of agricultural education, which they believe to be very much
needed, and which they think the public mind is fully prepared to esti-
mate and cherish. The public munificence will be well directed in
continuing to an honorable completion this undertaking, if it shall con-
tribute in any degree to awaken a spirit of inquiry among the cultiva-
tors of the soil, after knowledge in those departments of science which
are intimately connected with the great art of agriculture, upon the suc-
cessful promotion of which is based the best interests of our country.

This survey presents itself to your committee in a most interesting
point of view, when examined in the light of political economy. If the
legislation of our country is well directed, when it aims at advancing
the national wealth, by protecting and encouraging*any branch of indus-
try, or promoting facilities for rapid and cheap intercommunication,

No. 338.] 15

why not also well directed when it seeks to unfold to man the bounties
of Providence which lie concealed within the crust of the globe. When
it shall be ascertained in the progress of our discoveries, that while one
position of our State abounds in rich and verdant pasturage, another por-
tion is remarkable for its successful tillage, another portion contains
inexhaustible mines of valuable metals ; one part yields its abundant
supplies of lime and marble, another part its contributions of gypsum,
salt and coal, and every part its share in the great aggregate of our na-
tional wealth ; and when the whole shall be brought under the active
control of the ingenuity, the industry and enterprise of our citizens, and
made subservient to the interest and happiness of man, who can set
bounds to the extent of our resources, or sum up the total amount of
our greatness.

Great Britain is probably more indebted for her national aggrandize-
ment to her mineral wealth than to all other causes combined. With-
out her coal, her metallic ores could never have been drawn from the
depths of the earth where they lie concealed ; or if found near the sur-
face they could never have been profitably refined. Without her coal,
her Birmingham, her Sheffield, her Manchester and other manufactur-
ing towns would never have existed. Without her manufactures, her
commerce would be prostrated. Without her commerce, her wealth
and her influence among the nations of the earth would speedily pass
away.

The Geological Survey of the State, and the results which your com-
mittee hope it will produce, cannot be contemplated in a moral point
of view without the liveliest interest. The wisdom and benevolence of
the great Creator of the Universe are everywhere displayed in his
works ; and the more the investigations of philosophy and science are
brought to scrutinize those works, the greater that wisdom and bene-
volence appear.

“In the formation of organized bodies, that is, in the structure of
animals and plants, the most superficial observer cannot fail to discover
a beautiful and refined mechanism ; but if we cast our eyes upon the
ground and look at heaps of gravel, sand, clay and stone, it seems as if
chance only had brought them together; and that neither symmetry
nor order can be discovered in their nature. But a closer examination
soon convinces us of that, which reasoning from the wisdom and de-
sign manifested by other parts of creation, we might beforehand have

16 [AssEMBLY

very naturally been led to expect, viz: that in all the varieties of form
- and structure and change which the study of the mimeral kingdom dis-
plays, laws as fixed and immutable prevail as in the most complicated
mechanism of the human frame, or in the motions of the heavenly bo-
dies ; and if astronomy has discovered how beautifully ‘the heavens
declare the glory of God,’ as certainly do we feel assured by the inves-
tigations of geology that the earth ‘showeth his handiwork.’ ”

To accomplish all the objects referred to in this report, your com-
mittee have directed their chairman to ask leave to introduce three se-
veral bills.

Stan e wen
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STATE OF NEW-YORK.

No. 124.

IN SENATE,

May 12, 1845.

REPORT

Of the minority of the select committee, in relation
of the Natural History of the State.

The undersigned, one of the select committee appointed on the
subject of the Natural History of the State of New-York, makes the
following

REPORT :

In 1836, (see Session Laws of that year, page 195,) the Legis-
lature passed an act to provide for the geological survey of the State,

whereby the Governor was authorized to employ a suitable number

of competent persons, to make an accurate and complete geological
survey of the State, to be accompanied with proper maps and dia-
grams, and which should furnish a full and scientific description of
its rocks, soils and minerals ; and of its botanical and zoological pro-
ductions, together with specimens of the same; which maps, dia-
grams and specimens, should be deposited in the State Library. The
same act appropriated twenty-six thousand dollars annually, for four
years, to defray the expenses which should be incurred under that
act; and it also directed, that the persons employed should make a
report annually to the Legislature, setting forth generally the progress

» made in the survey authorized by the said act.

{Senate, No. 124.] , 1 [5 t.]

2 [SENATE

Under this act the Governor appointed eight geologists, to each of
whom was assigned a portion of the duties and labors embraced with-
in the scope of the law, and they entered upon and prosecuted their
labors during the four years mentioned in the act.

The geologists made their annual reports to the Legislature as the
act required, which reports were full and voluminous, and were pub-
lished from year to year, at great expense, as other reports required
by law to be made to the Legislature, arep ublished. But the geolo-
gists not having been able to complete their survey of the State
according to the provisions of theact of 1836, within the four years con-
templated by that act, a law was passed in 1840, which authorized the
Governor to continue the survey until the 1st Tuesday in January,
1842 ; but only upon the condition that the expense of this contin-
ued survey should not exceed the unexpended balance of the moneys
appropriated for the survey by the act of 1836. That sum was
twenty-six thousand dollars annually, for four years; in all, one hun-
dred and four thousand dollars.

Here was a plain legislative direction, that the agents of the State
to whom the execution of the law was entrusted, should so plan this
survey, and shape their duties, and limit their inquiries, that the labor
and investigations assigned to them by the law, should be performed
within the period above mentioned, and that the expense already in-
curred, and to be incurred, should not exceed the sum so appropri-
ated. :

Under this last mentioned act, the State geologists proceeded with
their labors under the direction of the Governor, but as would seem
from the sequel, without any regard to the condition imposed in the
act of 1840 ; for so far was the survey from being completed on the
1st Tuesday of January, 1842, that it is not yet completed, although
a part of the number of the geologists have been employed from that
time to this. And whether the condition of the act in respect to the
expense was observed in the plan, and execution of the surveys, will
appear from the subsequent history of the proceedings. The last
mentioned act expired on the Ist Tuesday of January, 1842.

On the 9th of April, 1842, another act was passed, which autho-
rized the Governor to continue, until the Ist Tuesday in January

ee

No. 124.] 3

1843, such of the various departments of labor connected with the
geological survey of this State, as might be necessary to ensure its
ultimate completion and publication, according to the plan thereto-
fore contemplated ; and the further sum of twenty-six thousand dol-
lars was appropriated by that act, to defray such expenses asshould
be incurred under that act, and to pay for the materials furnished and
the services rendered under the act of 1840. The Secretary of
State was directed to secure a copy-right of the geological survey,
and the Governor and Secretary were authorized, when two or more
volumes of the geological survey should be published, to cause such
books to be sold, at such prices as they might deem expedient.

Under this act, the geologists continued their labors, and the pub-
lication of the volumes of the Natural History of the State was con-
tinued. At what time the publication commenced, the committee
have not the data to determine. It appears that an edition of three
thousand copies was determined upon, and that number printed ; but
upon what authority, is not known to the committee. In pursuance
of the directions or authority given in said last mentioned act, the
(jovernor and Secretary entered into an agreement, on the 23d Sep-
tember, 1842, with three firms of booksellers, as is believed ; to
wit: D. Appleton, & Co.; Wiley & Putnam, and Gould, Kendall
& Lincoln, parties of the second part, to the agreement ; by which
it was agreed, that the parties of the second part should take charge
of and sell and dispose of the work entitled “ Natural History of
New-York,” at certain prices and on certain terms, specified in the
agreement, which will be found in Assembly Document No. 87, for
1844, page 18. For their expense and trouble, the parties of the
second part were to retain twenty per cent of the avails; and the
work was to be delivered to their order, at Albany. They also
agreed to re-deliver, on three months notice, to the Governor and
Secretary, all the unsold copies of said work. Under this agree-
ment, some copies of the said work have been delivered to the said
parties of the second part, as will appear at page 20 of the same
Document. This agreement is believed to be yet in force ; and that
the Governor and Secretary have not given any notice for the re-
delivering of the books.

The Legislature, on the 26th May, 1841, passed a concurrent re-
solution, by which it was resolved, among other things, that one copy

\

4 {Senate

of the geological survey, when completed, should be given to each
member of the Senate and Assembly, and to the several officers of
the same. In 1842, the Legislature, in the act above referred to,
repealed the said concurrent resolution of the preceding Legislature ;
thereby depriving their predecessors of this private fruit of their own
legislation ; and by the same act provided, that a copy of the work,
as fast as completed, should be distributed to each member of the
(then) present Legislature.

We have here presented this state of facts. ‘The members of the
Legislature, in 1841, by a concurrent resolution, gave to themselves.
each a copy of this work, when completed ; thus appropriating to
themselves the public property. Their successors, in 1842, passed a
law depriving them of their books; and by the same Jaw took each a
copy to themselves. Under this last law, one hundred and eleven
copies of each of the first six volumes have been delivered to the
members of the Legislature of that year. The attention of the Secre-
tary of State having been called to the constitutionality of said law,
so far as it related to the appropriation of these books to individual
members of the Legislature, he decided that in this respect it was un-
constitutional and void; for the reason that the law purported to ap-
propriate public property for private purposes, without being passed
by two-thirds of the members elected to each branch of the Legisla-
ture. And being of that opinion, he declined to execute that part of
the law, by delivering any more of the books to the members of the
Legislature of 1842. This took place in the winter of 1843; since
which time it is believed that none have been delivered.

Under the laws herein before noticed, the publication of the re-
sults of the labors of the geologists, styled the Natural History of
New York, progressed so far, that prior to the 21st of January, 1843,
six volumes had been completed and issued; that is to say, one vol-
ume on mineralogy, three volumes on zoology, and two volumes on
geology. Besides these, two other volumes on geology were partially

printed.

In 1843, another law was passed upon this subject, by which the
Governor was again authorized, without limitation as to time, to con-
tinue such of the various departments of labor, connected with the
geological survey of the State, as might be necessary to ensure its ul-

No. 124.] 5

timate completion and publication ; and the Treasurer was directed
to pay the necessary costs and expenses then incurred, or thereafter
to be incurred in the completion of the said work. And the Governor
and Secretary were therein authorized to cause the books to be sold,
at such prices as they should deem proper, but not less than two dol-
lars per volume. By this law, all restraint, whether as to the time to
be employed in making further surveys and examinations, or as to any
number of volumes to be published, or any amount of expense in such
surveys and publications, was removed. An unlimited discretion over
the whole subject seems to have been vested in the Governor and
Secretary. Under this law the work is still in progress, and drafts
are continuing to be made on the treasury.

The above brief summary of the legislation on this subject the un-
dersigned thought might be useful, for the reason that very little in-
ormation is to be found in our public documents.

The Legislature passed a law last year, by a two-third vote, pro-
viding for the presentation of a copy of the Natural History of the
State to James Wadsworth ; one copy to the Governor of each cf the
States of the Union, to be deposited in some public library or institu-
tion ; one copy to the library of Congress; and 100 copies to such
foreign Governments and foreign literary and scientific institutions as
the Governor and Secretary might select; also for the sale of one
copy to each of the incorporated academies, public libraries and lite-
rary institutions in this State, as should apply for the same within six
months, at one dollar per volume, and reserved three hundred copies
for that purpose.

The law then authorized the Governor and Secretary to distribute
the remaining copies, and also a geological map made to accompany
said Natural History, among the several counties of this State,
according to the population ; and to transmit the proper number of
copies to each of the county treasurers, and directed said treasurers to
sell the same at the price of one dollar per volume, and the map for
one dollar per copy.

This law has not been executed ; and the Secretary of State, in a
communication to the Legislature in January last, published as Senate
Document No. 6, gives as his reason for not executing it, that a
portion of the law is in direct conflict with the act of 1842, above

6 [Senate

mentioned, and with the contract made under that law ; and in this
Document his argument showing the conflict, is given at length.

There have been published and delivered nine volumes of this
work, as follows :

Four volumes on Geology ;
Four volumes on Zoology ; _
One volume on Mineralogy.

According to the plan of the geologists, there less be six volumes
more published to complete the system.

Of these, there will be one volume on ornithology, which is
already printed and now in the hands of the binders, and nearly ready
for delivery. There will be two volumes on botany, one of which
is now printed, and is with the binders ; and of the other, about one-
half the printing is done. ‘The engravings and coloring for the
volumes on ornithology and botany, are all completed.

There will be one volume on agriculture, the manuscript of which
is not yet completed. But a considerable portion of it is in the
hands of the printer, and a part of the volume is now printed.
There will be two volumes on Paleontology ; the manuscript of
which is about one-half completed ; but none of this work is printed.
More than one-half of the drawings and engraving for the work, has
been done, and it is expected that the whole series will be completed
in about eighteen months. It is not fully determined whether the
work on Paleontology shall be bound in one or two volumes. [If it
shall be issued in two volumes, then one of those may be expected to
be published in about six months, and the other in one year there-
after. If that work shall all be included in one volume, then the
number of volumes will be fourteen.

In respect to the expense of this whole work, it will be recollected
that for the first six years it was in progress, the Legislature was
exceedingly cautious that the whole cost thereof should not exceed
the sum of one hundred and four thousand dollars. In 1842, there
was a further appropriation of twenty-six thousand dollars ; and as
far as an inference can be drawn from the law itself, it was then
understood and expected that no more money would be required from

No. 124. | |

the treasury, to complete the whole series. But the law of 1843
opened wide the door of the treasury, and ordered the Treasurer to
pay the “‘ costs and expenses already incurred, or hereafter to be in-
curred in the completition of the said work, to the persons entitled to
the same ;” and since that period the drafts upon the treasury have been
very large. The following table shows the aggregate amount paid
to March 1, 1845, and the different heads under which the same was
paid.

For salaries of geologists, assistants and draftsmen, $120,056 20

SP ucetent Of MIMerals,’ GO.5 6ic.6 os aie wel «se 90 1,348 22
“, spripting’; bindingand, papery .s aw: s/eeias cece ° 65 ,223 21
‘¢ engraving, lithographing and wood cuts,...... 29.206 72
cy. geinting engravings, 6&¢.4..4/< fs dans od) sah ae/uy 27,145 38
PUR OL ONIN ENATAVINGS, 5.44 s\df v0)b. 540 eb lewe 3a ws 47,252 00
ry (paper for engravings,.. os gees iss eit aivtte h duie 16,184 69
*¢ fuel, furniture, chemicals, postage, labor, &c.,.. 2 429), 92
‘¢ mounting 3,000 geological maps of theState,.. | 2,400 00
vc .prepaying’ specimens of birds, ..... .s00)a000 00% 591 00

printing geological reports from 1836 to 1841,. 19,530 00

$331,667 14

re es Se
SS

A considerable portion of the expense of the volumes not yet
completed is included in the above sums, but from the best estimates
the committee have been able to obtain in respect to the futuref ex-
pense that will be incurred in completing the whole series of fitteen
volumes, they estimate the amount at $56,688.

This will make the aggregate expense of the whole work amount
to the sum of $388,335.

The edition consisting of three thousand copies of each volume,
and the number of volumes being fifteen, the whole number of books
will be forty-five thousand ; and the expense to the State for each of
said volumes, will vary but a trifle from $8.50. But it appears from
the report of the Secretary of State, that of the first six volumes,
there were a number of copies of each volume, in all amounting to
two hundred and twenty copies, that were not delivered at the State
Hall by the printer. And from the same report it further appears

8 | SenaTE

that one hundred and eleven copies of the first six volumes have been
delivered to members of the Legislature of 1842, under the law
above mentioned. ‘There will thus necessarily be some broken sets.
There have been delivered to the booksellers named in said contract,
about 220 copies of each of the first six volumes, to be sold, and they
have been, or probably will be sold at four dollars a copy. The pur-
chasers of those copies have an undoubted right to an opportunity to
purchase the remaining volumes of the whole series at the same
price; and the undersigned thinks that that number of copies should
be reserved for them.

In view of the very great and unexpected expense and cost of this
work, and of its intrinsic value, the undersigned considers the price
put upon the copies by the law of last year as too low. He feels
the full force of the policy, under the influence of which the Legis-
lature was induced to fix the price at so small a sum ; that is to say,
that the benefits and advantages of possessing the work will be in a
great measure limited to our own citizens and the institutions of our
own State. Yet still as the State can little afford to be so generous
at this time, even to her own citizens and institutions, the undersigned
recommends that’the law of last winter be altered, so as to fix the
price at two dollars per copy.

°

He also recommends the passing of a law directing the Governor
and Secretary of State to-put an end to the said agreement with the
booksellers, by giving the notice therein mentioned, unless the same
can be cancelled by mutual consent, and for retaining the necessary
number of the volumes not sold by said booksellers, to enable the
purchasers of those sold by them to complete their sets.

It should be further added that the State is in possession of a large
and valuable collection of geological and mineralogical specimens,
which are deposited in the old State Hall; and which in connexion
with the Natural History, will furnish a vast fund of information for
those who desire improvement in these branches of science.

JOHN PORTER.

IN SENATE,

May [3, 1845.

REPORT

Of the committe on the judiciary, on a communi-
cation from the Secretary of State, in relation to
the Natural History of the State.

Mr. Lott, from the committee on the judiciary, to whom was refer-
red a communication from the late Secretary of State, in relation to
the “ Natural History of the State,”

REPORTS :

That they became apprised, shortly after the subject was referred
to them, that the construction of the act of 3d May, 1844, was under
judicial consideration in the supreme court.

They have therefore forborne to take any action on the matter,
until the decision of that court thereon.

After a full and deliberate investigation, a judgment has been
given, that the provisions of that act can be carried into effect with-

out violating any previous rights, or “impairing the obligation of
contracts.”

A copy of the opinion of that court is annexed, to which the com-
mittee refer, and under the circumstances they ask to be discharged
from the further consideration of the subject.

[ Senate, No. 125. ] 1

i

une

f ay

ti

;

iy
ie

DOCUMENT.

Opinion of the Court.

Tue PropLE EX. REL.

Auanson BENNETT.
MSs

Ture GovERNOR AND

SecRETARY OF State. |

Bearpstey J.—By an act passed in 1836, the Governor was di-
rected to employ competent persons to make a “* complete goological
survey of the State,” with a view to “a full and scientific description
of its rocks, soils and minerals, and of its botanical and zeological
productions,” (Laws of 1836, p. 195.) The work was shortly there-
after commenced, and has resulted in the production of several vol-
umes on the Natural History of the State, some of which have already
been published, and others, as is understood, are in a course of publi-
cation.

With the wisdom or the policy of this enterprise, so far as respects
the subject now to be considered, the court has no concern. The
volumes were prepared at the public expense, and are State property ;
if no constitutional barrier exists, it is plain that the Legislature may
direct their sale at such time and upon such terms as may be deemed
proper.

By the first and second sections of an act of May 3, 1844, copies
of this work are to be presented and sold, as is therein particularly
specified and directed. These sections need not be considered, for
the present question arises upon the third section, which diclares that
“the Governor and Secretary of State are authorized to make a dis-
tribution of the remaining copies and map of the Natural History,
not otherwise appropriated or disposed of, among the several counties
of this State, according to the ratio of population by the last census,
and transmit to the county treasurer of said counties respectively,
the number of copies to which each county shall be entitled by such
distribution ;”’ and said treasurers are to sell the same and account

4 [Senate

therefor . the Secretary of State. (Laws 1844, p, 387, and see p.
507, § 1.

It is not denied that a large number of volumes and maps are on
hand, to be distributed under this section, if its requirements are —
legal and binding ; nor was it suggested on the argument that there
could be any difficulty in determining, by mere arithmetical calcula-
tion, the quota which should be distributed to each county under the
terms of the enactment. The duty thus required to be performed is
purely ministerial ; the act directs what shall be done, and in this
respect, commits nothing to the discretion of the officers charged with
its performance. In such cases a mandamus is the appropriate remedy.
(12 Peters R. 524. Kendall vs. The United States.)

As the execution of this duty is a matter which concerns the
general public interest, any citizen of the State may be a relator. (19
Wendell, 56. The People vs. Coliins.) Every one has a direct in-
terest in the public property, and may interfere to compel its sale,
when directed by law. On this ground alone, the present relator had
aright to assume that position. But this is not the only beneficial
purpose to be effected by a distribution and sale of these books ; the
extension and diffusion of useful knowledge, an object of the highest
importance, will thereby be greatly promoted. Upon any ground
therefore the proceeding is unexceptionable in point of form.

Several objections are made to the third section of the act of 1844,
directing a distribution and sale of these books, but they all depend
upon a single inquiry, to wit : whether the section conflicts with that
clause of the Constitution of the United States, which declares, no
State shall pass any “law impairing the obligation of contracts.”
(Art. 1,§ 10.) This clause is part of the supreme law of the land,
and every statute which violates it must necessarily be void.

It is urged that rights were acquired by individuals under the act
of 9th April, 1842, and the contract subsequently entered into by the
Governor and Secretary of State, and which are invaded by the third
section of the act of 1844. It becomes necessary therefore to see
what is contained in the act of 1842, and the contract referred to.

This act authorized a temporary continuance of the various depart-
ments of labor connected with the Geological Survey of the State ;
made an appropriation to defray expenses ; directed the Secretary of
State to procure a copy right of the survey ; authorized a sale of the
volumes as published ; a distribution of such as should not be sold,
and repealed a prior concurrent resolution. (Laws 1842, p. 183.)
The sale was authorized by the fourth section of the act, which is in
these words: “ Whenever two or more volumes of the Geological
Survey shall be published, the Governor and Secretary of State may
cause such books to be sold, at such prices as they may deem expe-
dient, and any moneys derived from such sales shall be applied to the
same purposes as the appropriation made by the second section of
this act.”

Here it will be seen, is a simple authority to sell these volumes
when published. Ihave no difficulty in holding that the Governor
and Secretary might avail themselves of the aid of booksellers or

No. 125.| 5

other agents, in making these sales, although I am wholly unable to
discover any authority in the statute to bind the State that such
agency should be continued a moment beyond the pleasure of the |
Legislature.

A power to sell these books was conferred on the Governor and
Secretary, but the Legislature might at any time revoke it. That
being done the authority of their agents must necessarily cease.
Derwvitiva potestas non potest esse major primitiwa. This would not
affect sales already made; and such would unquestionably be binding
on the State. By a sale, title passes to the purchaser ; the contract is
executed ; and all the books thus disposed of by the Governor and
Secretary directly, or through their agents, have passed beyond legis-
lative control. Nor does the act of 1844 assume to interfere with
the volumes which had thus been disposed of; they are expressly
excluded, and none are to be distributed among the counties which
were “* otherwise appropriated or disposed of.” (§ 3.)

As the Governor and Secretary were only authorized by the act of
1842, to make sales of these books when published, and not to pro-
vide for future sales, their contract, whatever may be its terms, must
be taken with this limitation, and to this extent and no further, is it
obligatory on the State.

The contract bears date on the 23d September, 1842, and makes
certain booksellers agents for the sale of these volumes in Europe as
well as within the United States. It does not purport to sell any
books to these agents, but simply authorizes sales to be made by
them. So far it is warranted by the act of 1842. But the contract
further provides that although the State may retain such number of
said volumes as may be deemed expedient for the purpose of distri-
bution or otherwise,” none shall be “‘ for sale while this contract con-
tinues.”

If this contract necessarily terminated, as I think it did, with the
passage of the act of 1844, the clause which has been extracted, is |
harmless ; but if the contract is not thus limited, this particular provi-
sion must be deemed invalid. I find no authority vested in the Go-
vernor and Secretary, by which they could bind the State, by con-
tract or otherwise not to sell these books in any manner which the
Legislature might deem expedient. Such as had been sold under the
act of 1842, were beyond the reach of the State ; but those which
remained unsold were its property, and might be sold at any time and
in any manner which legislative wisdom should direct.

The acts of an agent within the scope of his authority are the acts
of his principal ; but beyond this the principal is not bound. This
is a familiar rule and it applies directly to this case ; the Governor
and Secretary were authorized to sell these books, but they were not
authorized to contract for the State that they should only be sold by
particular agents, and on particular terms.

That part of the agreement which assumes to shackle the State in
this particular was unauthosized and consequently invalid.

This disposes of the whole case although various other grounds
might be suggested.

6 [Senate

No contract was in existence with which the act of 1844, could
conflict. | lai
~The assumed contract not to sell these books otherwise than is pro-
vided in the agreement of 1842, was invalid, and had no obligation
which could be impaired. ;

How far it may be right to remunerate the agents for any disap-
pointment they experienced in bringing that contract to an end, is a
question for the Legislature and not for the court. pape
The suggestion that the law of 1844, makes no provision to
secure the entire series of the work to those who had purchased the
earlier volumes, may be disposed of by a similar remark. We cer-
tainly cannot adjudge an act of the Legislature to be void on that
ground, more than we can because it conflicts with a prior statute. —

Without pursuing this subject, I think the provisions in the act of
1844, for a distribution and sale of these books, is free from all con-
stitutional difhculty, and that it should be executed. ‘The question
was regarded by the Governor and Secretary, as fit to receive a judi-
cial determination, and it has been examined and considered with the
highest respect for their views on the subject. I have conferred with
my brethren and they agree with me that no legal cause exists
against the execution of this enactment ; a mandamus must conse-
quently issue. | |

A peremptory writ is proper unless the Governor and Secretary
desire to carry the case to the Court of Errors. In that event am
alternative mandamus will issue. Hie

Ordered accordingly.

(A copy.) N. HILL, Jr. State Reporter.

State of Nety=3

" No. 32.

IN SENATE. FEB. 6, 1851.

REPORT
Of James Hall, on the Geological survey.

Jllbany, Feb. 1st, 1851.
To THE HonoraBLe, THE SENATE

F Of the State of New-York:

In obedience to the instructions contained in the resolution of the
28th January, I have the honor to submit the following

STATEMENT:

In order to a full understanding of the subject of the first inquiry,
1 must beg your indulgence, while I briefly recapitulate the history of
this department in the New-York geological survey.

Theimportance af the subject was recognized by General Dix in
hisreport upon the plan of the survey; while the necessity of making
it a separate department, induced the geologists employed in 1836,
unanimously to recommend the appointment of one person as palae-
ontologist, who should devote himself exclusively to that object. -Mr.
Conrad received the appointment, and was regarded as acting in that ca-
pacity for more than five years. It was well understood, and soregard-
ed by every person engaged in the survey, that this. department required
much labor, that original investigations were to be made, and the
science was not then in the same advanced state as other departments

[Senate No. 32.] 1 [u.n.]

2 | Senate

of natural science, and therefore no one expected the palaeontologist
would be ready to report so soon as those engaged in the other depart-
ments of the survey. ‘

During this time the geological survey was progressing, and
although the geologists were not expected to make collections of
fossils, nor did the time admit of their making careful collections, yet
their examinations led them to discover the localities of fossils, and
thus a small collection from each group of rocks was placed in the

Statecabinet.

In 1842 Mr. Conrad resigned, without having left a collection or
ang thing which could be made available in the work. He expressed,
as his opinion, that it would require one hundred plates to complete
the palaeontology of New-York. This was the only information we
had,—the result of five years labor in this department,—to form the
basis of anestimate for the extent of the work. It was from the ex-
perience of Mr. Conrad that the estimate was made; and this was one
volume containing one hundred plates.

When called upon for a statement in 1843, I thought a work of
this extent might be completed in about fwo years. It was then ex-
pected that the illustrations of fossils used in the volumes on
geology could be used in the palaeontology, and the most minute and
difficult subjects of investigation had not attracted attention. It was
finally decided by Gov. Bouck that the work should be finished in
one year.

I need not go far into explanation to show the great impropriety of
this requisition that a work which, at the commencement of the sufvey
was thought to require as much, or more time than any of the other
departments, and in which five years had already been spent without
leaving any available results, should, from its beginning, be completed
in one year. It was, therefore, not a voluntary agreement on my
part to finish the work in one year, and although it was thought very
desirable to fix some definite time for its completion, yet had the
extent of the subject of this department been known or even antici-
pated, I cannot believe that such a requirement would have been
made.

_ At this time it was understood by the Governor that the collections
for this work were made,and that no field lahor was to be perform-

No. 32.] 3

ed, and on this ground distinctly, I was told by Gov. Bouck that my
salary would be reduced from $1,800 to $1,500, because I would
have no travelling expenses.

The first year was necessarily devoted to getting together species from
all the successive formations, in order to carry out the plan proposed, of
illustrating the entire work in one volume with one hundred plates.
In that time, from June, 1843, to March, 1844, I had put into the
hands of the engravers, materials for about seventy plates, in litho-
graphy and wood engraving. The cursory examinations of this year
sufficed to show me that a very small proportion of the species were
to be found in the State collection, and that the work as then con-
templated, would present but a meagre idea of the subject, and much
more time would be necessary in order to give it anything like a
desirable completeness. The short time allowed for its preparation
permitted only the most common and conspicuous objects to be
obtained and illustrated, and I foresaw that a work finished under
such circumstances, would neither be creditable to myself nor worthy
of the State of New-York. I represented this condition of things to
Governor Bouck as well as I was able to do at that time, telling him
that the work would be a very unsatisfactory one, not creditable to
the State, and one that must soon be superceded if published on such
a plan.

Governor Bouck gave me permission to go on with the work in
my own way, telling me that I must trust to a future Legislature for
remuneration; that he did not feel authorised to pay beyond the
salary of one year as had been previousiy determined.

It would have been easy to prepare a volume of 100 plates of the
most conspicuous fossils, taken from the whole series of rocks within
the State. It would have required comparatively little time; it
would have been temporarily satisfactory to the people at large; but
in a few years the numerous collectors throughout the State would
have had in their collections twice as many species from each of the
rocks and groups, aS were there published, and not finding them
illustrated in the paleontology of the State, they would have justly
complained,—the work would have fallen into discredit, and your

“paleontologist disgraced. It was, therefore, not possible for me to
hesitate in the choice, between publishing a work of this description

4 [SENATE

and making such a one as I considered was demanded, even at the
risk of being charged with unworthy motives in prolonging the work.

Accordingly, f commenced making very full collections of fossils,
which I was obliged either to purchase or have made at my own ex-
pense, for I was allowed no assistant, and I could give very little
time to the actual collection of specimens myself, having the neces-
sary investigations and comparison of species to make, the drawing
and engraving to superintend, and the descriptions to write and print.

The investigation of fossils, particularly of the older rocks, is at-
tended with many difficulties which are not encountered in the more
recent formations, or in the existing objects of a similar character.
In the first place, the collections are more difficult to be made, the.
specimens are often embedded in solid rock, from which they require
to be separated with much labor and great care. Often we have
only one side exposed at best, the specimens have suffered pressure
and distortion; sometimes we have only casts of the interior of the
specimen, while the organized portion has disappeared. Conclusions
have often to be based upon fragments when perfect specimens can-
not be obtained. ‘These fossils of our rocks, being farthest removed
in time, and most unlike existing creations, the latter afford little
assistance in comparisons made between the two. More than four-
fifths of all the species described from the rocks of New-York are
new, having never heen described in any published work. This does
not lessen the labor of comparison with described species, and imposes
a heavier task in the determination and description.

When I commenced this work there were about seventy species of
fossils known in the rocks of New-York, from the Pottsdam sand-
stone to the Hudson river group, inclusive. In 1844 I began to
devote myself to the study of the fossils of these strata; and in 1847
published the first volume of the Palaeontology, containing three
hundred and eighty-one species from the same strata. It will be
readily seen, therefore, that the knowledge derived from the geologi-
cal investigations alone, up to that time, gave us but a very imperfect
idea of the extent of this part of the subject. It was only after the
rocks began to be carefully examined that we had any conception of
the extent or magnitude of the undertaking. It was impossible toe
form an idea of the approximate number of species which would be

No. 32.] 5

found, because no special investigations had ever been made for this
object, except in a few localities. In this respect the department of
palaeontology was unlike any of the other departments of natural histo-
ry; for in all these, catalogues had been published, which enabled us to
approximate very nearly to the estimate of what would be found in
the State. It was, therefore, only after the investigations had been
commenced and had made some progress, that we became aware of
the extent of the subject.

¥t should farther be recollected that the geological investigations
had shown that the series of rocks within New-York had not been
recognized elsewhere, and that their identity with European forma-
tions described could not be satisfactorily determined; that in fact we
had been working in a new and unexplored field of geological re-
search. These circumstances made it necessary to adopt a new
nomenclature for the designation of our rocks and groups. These
maimes are mostly Jocal—names which have become familiar to us
from being associated with many of the most important and interest-
ing localities in the State. Our subdivisions and the foundation of
our nomenclature rested upon the evidence of the fossils contained in
the rocks ; and it was by this proof only that it could be sustained.
And I do not hesitate to say that our system of subdivision and our
nomenclature could not have been sustained had we left it asit was on
the publication of the geological reports, or with only an imperfect
volume upon the palaeontology. Unless the fossils of each rock and
group were fully described and illustrated, the nomenclature of New-
Yurk would have been confined to the State of New-York, and
zealous and ambitious explorers in other parts of the Union would
soon have invaded our system of names, by more thorough investi-
gation of the same strata in other localities, tone not possessing SO
complete a series.

The State of New-York had undertaken a great work, which every
one was desirous of seeing creditably finished. It had been shown
that we had a wide and almost unexplored field in the domain of
geology, the extent of which was but barely indicated, and which
future investigations would more fully develope. It had been shown
that within the State of New-York, that series intervening between
the base of the older fossiliferous rock and the coal formation, was
more perfect and complete than had been found in any other part of the

6 . [Senate

world. Subsequent discoveries have proved that these strata are better
marked by their organic contents than any other series of the same age.

These rocks, too, are for the greater part, unaltered and undisturbed»
giving the clearest evidence of the order of succession among the
different beds and groups, and the best opportunities for studying, in
the order of time, the various families of organic beings that have
successively inhabited the surface of our planet. It is not possible
to over-estimate the advantages possessed by New-York in all these
respects ; advantages which will render it necessary that our succes-
sion of rocks be studied to obtain a key to the elucidation of rocks
of similar age in every part of the United States and even in Europe.
It is not too much to say that European geologists must come here,
as some of them have done already, to study this most perfect suc-
cession of the pajaeozoic order.*

Fully sensible of all these circumstances, which rendered necessary
the enlargement of the plan of the work, I should have proved re-
creant to my duty to the State, had I published such a volume as
was at first contemplated, when the extent of the subject was unknown.
In conducting this work on Paleontology, my first and highest duty
was to do justice to the State of New-York, as far as in my power,
regardless of other considerations. With this motive, I have stead-
ily urged that this publication should be carried out in a proper man-
ner, not only in accordance with the requirements of science, but in
accordance with the high interests and dignity of the State, which
has already laid the foundation of a great work, and has within her
own territory the means of illustrating important departments of sci-
ence more fully than can be done in any other part of the world.
Were this position of New-York fully comprehended, I cannot think
there would be the least hesitation in authorizing such work to go on
to its completion, in such a manner as the discoveries made shall war-
rant. All individual and personal considerations should be merged
in the higher object of making the work of standard character, and
one in which very citizen of the State may feel a just pride.

If we would secure the results which justly belong to the State,
this work should be made as perfect as possible. If we would have

* This is fully admitted by Sir Charles Lyell, M. de Verneuil and Prof. Agassiz,
who have each examined our geology.

No. 32.| 7

our localities explored by geologists, and our rocks cited as expo-
nents and guides in every other part of the Union, where rocks of
the same age exist ; we must give to the world the means of know-
ing these formations thoroughly by their fossils. Even were the de-
mands of science unheeded, we should not forget the position we have
to maintain as the State which has given a nomenclature to the geo-
logical formations which occupy so large a portion of the United
States.

I have, on another occasion, procured the evidence of other per-
sons, who have been engaged in similar investigations, to show that
time has not been wasted upon the work.*

It is true, the publication has been embarrased and delayed from
the uncertainty which has existed regarding its completion ; and I be-
lieve every one can understand that no work of the kind can pro-
gress steadily and rapidly, while there remains any uncertainty re-
garding it. It was impossible under the circumstances, to form and
carry forward any extended plan for the afrangement of the different

portions, or of the labor to be devoted to these different parts of the
work.

In replying to the third enquiry of the resolution, I shall find it

necessary to mention some causes of delay which are not within my
own control.

The law of 1847 recognized the extension of the work beyond a
single volume, which at the time of the passage of that law was
nearly completed ; the letter press entirely printed. This law pro-
vides that the geologists shall receive a salary for two years and no
longer. The same law providesfor making contracts with engravers,
&c. The amount of work then known to be required for the Pale-
ontology, was two hundred and fifty plates; and the contracts made
under this law recognized that number. I believed at the time that I
could complete the work in three years, and I fully intended to
do so.

The steel engravings for the 1st volume was not completed in Oc-
tober, 1847; consequently no progress was made in the engraving

;
*See letters of Profs. Agassiz, Silliman, Dana and Gould, in report of commit-
tee, Assembly Document, No. 9, pages 69, 75, 1850.

8 |SznaTE

for the second volume until after that time.” Other causes beyond
my ccntrol. prevented progress in the lithography. I commenced
gving out drawings as soon as the engravers were ready for them ;
and continued to do so much faster than the plates were finished.
My statement made to Gov. Fish, on the 1st of March, 1849, shows
the number of plates then given out to the engravers. At that time
the plan of the volume was arranged, and the drawings with very
few exceptions were ready for the engravers.

That statement is as follow :

‘Of the plates designed for Vol. II., Nos. 1, 3. 6, 9, 72,73 and
77 were done in lithography by George Endicott in 1844.

Plates 2, 4, 4a, Da, 7, 8, 10, 11} 12, 15, 16, Oa) an 2. ao.
30, 31, 61, 62, 63, 64, 79, 80, 81, 82. 83, 84, have been done in
lithography by Mr. R. H. Pease, (under a contract with Gov.
Young,) with the exception of 5a,79 and 82, which are not yet
completed, but in hand. The whole number of plates in lithography
by Mr. Pease, done and ee for the 2d volume, is 27.

‘“‘ For the steel engraving, I have put into Mr. Pease’s hands plates
53, 54 and 58, and two other plates are reserved for him.

“ Messrs. Gavit and Duthie have in hand the plates numbered 5,
13, 14, 17, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26+, 28, 32, 33, 41, 42, 43, 44,
45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 49a, 50, 51, 52, 55, 56, 57, 65, a66, 67, 67a, 68,
69, 70, making 37 in all for the present volume.

The whole number of plates at that time, either finished or in the
hands of the engravers, was 76 ; and the only plates remaining to be
given out in March, 1849, were the corals, from plates 34 to 40 in-
clusive, and about five or six other plates. The plates which at that
time had been given out to the engravers, embrace all the Crinoidea
and Brachiopoda, all the Acephala with the exception of a single
plate, and all the Cephalopoda and Trilobites, care having been taken
that all the plates of a certain family or kind should be. given out at
the same time and consecutively.

By comparing the above list with the plates now completed, £ find
yet unfinished, plates 54, 58, 19, 20, 56, 57, 65, 67, 68, while plates
23 and 55 are not yet commenced—all these having been in the en-
gravers’ hands two years.

* 23 and 24 should have been 25 and 26.
7 25 and 26 should have been 23 and 24.

No. 32.] 9

This delay in the engraving is the true cause of the delay in the pub-
lication of the 2d volume, which would have been ready one year since
had there been any prospect of the engraving being soon finished.
Seeing no immediate necessity of finishing the letter press of the
volume, and not wishing to do so while I could still make valuable
additions, I commenced in the autumn of 1849 a revision of the
corals of the Niagara Group and of the Lower Helderberg limestones,
(the latter for the 3d volume,) which occupied much of the winter.
By these examinations I have been able to add some forty species to
those previously known to me in the Niagara Group, and to estab-
lish several new genera of importance in the study and classificatiou
of Palaeozoic corals.

Tt can be readily seen that if the law of 1847 was based upon esti-
mates of the time required to engrave 250 plates, giving me two
years to collect and arrange materials, and superintend the drawings
and engravings, the result has fallen far short of the anticipation ; for
in three and a half years, the number of plates executed in lithogra-
phy and steel engraving has scarcely exceeded sixty.

The actual state of the present volume is as follows :

The letter press, containing descriptions of 341 species of fossils
is finished, !

Fifty-eight plates are completed and the number delivered at the
geological rooms.

Seven plates more are printed or in progress of printing, and will be
ready in a short time.

Twenty plates are_in an unfinished state.
Sixteen plates are not yet commenced. com

This state of the engraving renders it impossible to say definitely
when the present volume will be published. It can scarcely be less
than one year from this time; and if no more rapid progress is made

in the engraving, it will be more than two years before it can be
published.

[I have the honor to be F
Very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
JAMES HALL.
{Senate, No. 32.] 2

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State of Ne iws8 ort.

No. 124,

IN ASSEMBLY, APRIL 1, 1851.

REPORT

Of the Commissioners appointed to take charge of the
publication of the Geological report, and to pay cer-
' tain claims against the State.

To the Legislature of the State of New-York:

The undersigned, appointed by two sundry enactments of law in
1850, (and which are hereafter more fully recited,) to take charge of
the publication of the Geological Survey of this State, and to pay
certain claims for services and expenses attending the same,

REPORT:

That they have discharged these duties to the best of their ability ©
and judgment. The sum of money placed at their disposal has been
paid out principally in the liquidation of debts accrued previous to
their appointment, and the existence of which was recognized in the
“¢ Report of the select committee appointed to investigate the matters
connected with the publication of the State work on Natural History,”
(Assembly Document of 1850, No. 9.) How and in what manner
the eighteen thousand dollars appropriated as above have been dis-
posed of, will be understood by a perusal of the accompanying paper
marked “ A,” and it is of course superfluous to repeat the details
therein contained.

[Assembly, No. 124.] 1 [u.n. |

2 [ ASSEMBLY

On assuming their appomtments under the laws above referred to,
one of our earliest inquiries was concerning the condition of the vari-
ous publications authoriseil by the survey.

Second volume of the Agriculture of Dr. Emmons. —

The printing of this was completed. Five hundred copies of the
required edition of 3,000 had been delivered to the Secretary of State.
The remainder were delayed on account of the direction of Governor
Fish not to proceed with any coloring of the plates until further or-
ders should be received from the Legislature, (see page 27, Assembly
Doc. No. 9, 1850.) It remained with us, therefore, to decide
whether the balance of the edition should go out partially colored, or
whether we should direct that the whole should conform exactly to
the first five hundred copies. It was not without difficulty that we
arrived at the latter conclusion, and we have given our views on it in
detail in the paper marked “ A.”

The volume was thus completed, the binding was attended to, and
the whole edition has been delivered to the Secretary of State for
distribution. The acccunts paid, (and all of which were contracted
previous to 1850, with the exception just noticed,) incident to the
completion of this volume, amount to about the sum of five thousand
dollars.

Condition of the original drawings, wood cuts, engravings on stone
and steel, and the steel plates required for the various volumes.
An early examination on the above subject satisfied us that many
of these were scattered about in a most unsatisfactory condition.
The drawings were in the possession of the geologists, or the artists,
and many of the wood cuts had been left with the printer. Many
thousands, indeed tens of thousands of impressions from stone or steel
plates were in a low basement room in the State Cabinet of Natural
History, liable to injury, and indeed injuring from dampness.

, We immediately selected an upper room in the same building, and
which had been already shelved for the purpose, for preserving and
storing the above, and we required all concerned, geologists, artists
and printers to return to Mr. John Gebhard jr., who was duly ap-
pointed by us keeper of the same, every article in’ their possession
of the above description. The result has been quite successful. Mr-
Gebhard’s return, accompanying this, marked B, will show the great

No. 124.] 3

accumulation of property now under his care, and the great pains he
has taken in arranging and classifying it.

Chemical apparatus in use for the investigations enumerated in the
first and second volumes of Emmons’ Agriculture.

It will be seen by areference to the Assembly doc. of 1850, No. 9,
that considerable allowances had from time to time been made for the
purchase of the above. And as the department was now deemed to
have completed its operations, and as the apparatus was asked for the
use of the State Agricultural Society, we supposed we were not ex-
ceeding our powers in placing it under the care of the duly appoint-
ed chemist of that body, subject of course, to any future direction of
the Legislature. A catalogue of the articles thus received, prepared
- and signed by Dr. Salisbury, the officer in question, is herewith trans-
- mitted marked C.

Dr. Emmons’ third volume on Fruits and Insects.

The progress made in the completion of this volume will be seen
by comparing our memoranda of payments with the details contained
in the Assembly document of 1850, No. 9, and particularly at pages
170 and 171 of the same. We have paid as will be seen by paper A,
large amounts for coloring various plates in this volume, and also for
engraving others. We directed Mr. Pease who has purchased the
coloring contract of E. Emmons, jr. not to color any additional
plates, preferring to leave this for the further direction of the Legis-
lature. Yet it should be understood that a certain portion of the
fruits have been colored and others not, and that the coloring has not
been in successive order, but quite indiscriminately. We fear that
these illustrations will scarcely look as they ought to do unless the
whole be colored.

We think well of a suggestion of Mr. Gebhard contained in his re-
port that the part on fruits now completed, except the coloring
above noticed, should be issued as a separate volume leaving the in-
sects to form a fourth volume. We understand, however, that Dr.
Emmons is opposed to this. The volume if completed as at present
contemplated by him, will contain at least one hundred and forty plates
besides the letter press.

Estimate of the expense of completing the 3d volume of Dr. Emmons.

We are required by the law already referred to “ to report a plan
for the final completion of the survey, and to submit the estimates of

a [ ASSEMBLY

the cost of such completion.” We applied to Dr. Emmons for an
estimate of the remaining expenses incident to the completion of the
3d volume and received the papers herewith communicated and mark-
ed D. There are several omissions which we have supplied below
and we now present our own estimate of the expense of completing
the volume in question, according to existing contracts.

Coloring of 50 plates of fruits, at $1.50 per plate,

each 3,000 impressions, .......- ow CHLOE - $7,500 00
Insects, one plate paid for, both for drawings, en-

graving, and coloring : |
19 plates, containing 453 figures, drawing the same at

PDO eae esl se at P Se ome

Engraving the same, at 3.00 each...... 1,359 00
——— $2,038 50

30 piates, containing 750 figures, drawing
thetsame vats Os os sees eis tre 6 he 0s . $1,125 00
Engraving the same, at $3,....... re cae ee Ou,

——r oe

3.375 00

Coloring 46 plates of insects, at $1.50 per plate, each

B GOO WNPLCSSIOWS is opener cine: odee\she.g Salp «va aie ate 6,900 00
Lettering 49 plates of insects, at $3.50,.. $171 50
Printing 49 plates of insects, 3,000 im-

pressions of each, at $45,........06. 2,205 00

Paper, (say $30 for each plate) 49 plates, 1,470 00
ee

Printing and paper for 3,000 title pages,..... ia euee 76 25

$23,736 25

re ee ee
ee ee ED

We do not include in the above any estimate of charges for print-
ing and binding, as these are paid for from the general appropriation
for the above purposes, and are understood to be under the control of ©
a special contract; and above all, as from the length of time that
this volume, and also Mr. Hall’s second one on Paleontology, have
been in press, they probably have been either partially or wholly paid
for. We doubt the propriety Dr. Emmons’ adding any new matter
as proposed in his letter, however valuable it may be. ‘There cer-

tainly should be some terminus.

No. 124.] 5

Professor Hall’ s 2d volume on Paleontology.

The condition and progress of this volume as ascertained in August,
1849, with its present state, will be fully understood by a reference
to a letter of Professor Hall with Mr. Gebhard’s report “B.” The
printing is nearly altogether completed. The drawings, which have
over run the estimate of Mr. Hall, (see page 67 of Assembly Doc.)
are all paid for. Again, we have paid (as by our account current)
for a number of plates furnished since the report of the Assembly
committee of 1850. It would then appear by Professor Hall’s letter,
that there are 36 plates, either in the hands of the engraver or ready
to be delivered to him, containing 915 figures. Estimating the ex-
penses by existing contracts, we suppose that the following sums are
required to finish the volume in question :

Engraving 915 figures of fossils, at $3,.....+.e00eee0 $2,745 00
Lettering 36 plates, at $3.50,..... SE Pa adie of IU 126 00
Printing 36 plates, 3,000 impressions, at $45, ........ 1,620 00
Paper, say $30 per plate, 36 plates, ...........0.6. 1,080 00
Pymitine aud paper for title page, o. cc uecesececess 76 25

(Ce ae Se

$5,627 25

We make all these and previous estimates under a due sense that
some new items unknown or overlooked by us may be interposed
and the Legislature will therefore please to consider the above as
only presented according to the best of our knowledge and belief.
We certainly suppose that $30,000 will be amply sufficient to com-
plete the 6,000 volumes, or if Dr. Emmons’ volume is divided into
two as proposed, the 9,000 volumes, which we have now considered.
Of this sum between seven and eight thousand dollars will be returned
to the Treasury by the county treasurers, being the avails of the vol-
umes sold by law at one dollar per volume.

Cause of the non-completion of the 2d volume of Hall’s Paleontology.

After an examinaticn of the work done or in hand of this volume,
as reported in the Assembly Document already referred to, and also
of its further progress since that time, we felt sanguine that we should
be enabled to report its completion also to the present Legislature.
But it was not lone before we ascertained that serious difficulties ex-

6 [ AsseEMELy

isted between Professor Hall and Mr. Duthie, the engraver on steel,
as to the accuracy and finish of the engravings. Criminations and
recriminations ensued. We felt ourselves obliged by the terms of
the contract to require that the engravings should be approved of by
the person in charge of the work. Mr. Duthie finally disposed of
his part of the contract to R. H. Pease. But-the difficulty still con-
tinues. The engravings are still charged as not sufficiently well
finished, while on the part of the contractors, original drawings, the
proof engravings, and again the corrected ones have been lodged with
us in evidence that the fossils have been correctly copied and that
the engravings are in conformity to the drawings.

We did not feel called upon to decide on the merits of this con-
trovery, as our funds were exhausted by intermediate payments fur
other work that had been completed, But we are well satisfied that
if means for proceeding had been in our possession, the difficulty
might have been readily compromised.

Al plan for the completion of the Survey.

In order to complete the “ Natural History of New-York,” there
will still be needed, in the opinion of Prof. Hall, three additional
volumes on Paleontology. The third volume would certainly seem
to be in quite a forward state. In Assembly Document, 1850, No.
9, page 68, it is stated that the investigations, &c., as well asa
large part of the drawings, notes, memoranda, and some of the
lithographic engravings have been made of it. Again, by recur-
ring to our account current, it will be observed that various ad-
ditional drawings, and a number of engraved plates, have been
"paid for. We can, therefore, we think, state with some degree of
certainty, that the remaining expense of publishing these three vols.,
cennot exceed that estimated by the Assembly committee, (see pages
175 and 176 of their report,) viz: $16,000 per volume, exclusive
of salaries and printing. We are of opinion that if at all with-
in the wishes and means of the State, the work on Paleontology
should be completed ; and we have the concurrent opinion of for-
eign and American geologists, that Professor Hall is well qualifi-
ed, and probably the best qualified. And for the purpose of insur-
ing this, we propose that the sum of two thousand five hundred
dollars be tendered to Professor Hall, on the presentation of each

No 124.]

successive volume, commencing with the third, to the Secretary of
State. This volume shculd contain the manuscript letter press ready
for printing, and be accompanied with the very fossils described.
Exceptions might be made as to rare and high priced ones, but even
of these there should be plaster casts procured by him. The above
sum corresponds with the amount put down for salaries by the As-
sembly committee, (see Report, p. 176,) and if the Legislature will
consider the time already employed, and the moneys already expend-
ed, with the progress reported from time to time, the undersigned
suppose that the proposition will be deemed a just, as well as a libe-
ral one.

We think it highly probable that more advantageous terms for |
the completion of the work could be obtained, but written con-
tracts have been entered into for a portion of it,and the undersigned
do not deem it consistent with the rights of parties or the solemnity
of contracts, to recommend an abandonment of the existing ones.
They trust, however, that the work may be completed with more
promptness and witha greater regard to economy. The drawings
have been paid for at one dollar and fifty cents each, under a verbal
contract between Governor Young and the different professors. The
undersigned regard the price as unreasonable. Indeed, the drawings
are unnecessary, for a competent artist should be able with a sketch
of his own to engrave from the fossil. Again, unnecessary profuse-
ness in coloring has added not inconsiderably to the expense of the
work. One plate of insects has been colored ; forty-six plates are
reported as still to be colored. Although the coloring adds to the
beauty of the engraving, as a matter of science it might be dispensed»
with. This would cause a saving of nearly seven thousand dollars.
The printing and binding are done under an existing contract, and
are now paid for at the rate of two dollars per volume. We doubt
whether this can be done at a much lower rate, if the quality of the
paper, the difficulties attendant on printing a scientific work, and the
general artistic characters of the volumes as a whoie be taken into
account. :

Salaries of Dr. Emmons and Professor Hail.

The salary of the former ceased according to law on the Ist of
October, 1848, and that of the latter on the Ist of April, 1849. The
Assembly committee of 1850, say on this subject: “ It will require

& [ AsseMBLY

the authority of another act to justify the further payment of their
salaries.” We supposed it possible that the terms of the laws under .
which we act, might justify the payments in question, but as they
were not precisely specified, we declined making any, particularly as
all the money appropriated was needed in forwarding the work.
The Geologists acquiesced, with an understanding that we should re-
commend the subject favorably to the consideration of the Legisla-
ture.
Claims on the State for services in the Geological Survey.

We received sundry applications under this head, and intended
(and so stated to the applicants) to examine and report on them; but
on a more minute examination of the section of the law in question,
we doubt whether we have a right to report on the matters involved.
The law appears distinctly to restrict our duties to the payment of
claims for services and expenses attending the publication of the »Va-
tural History of the State. We doubt whether the claims of Professor
Mather, formerly one of the geologists, and of Dr. Salisbury, acting
as an assistant to Dr. Emmons, come under this provision. We,
however, transmit the claim of Professor Mather, marked E, and of
Dr. Salisbury, marked F.

The late George Endicott.

Mr. Endicott had, during his life time, a large and lucrative con-
tract for engraving the plates in the early volumes of the “ Natural
History,” and indeed also the later ones. It appears by the Assem-
bly report of 1850, pages 36, 119 and 120, that he was paid a con-
siderable sum for work not delivered, and of course on the certificate
of one or other of the geologists. We transmit a letter from the

brother and widow, inclosing proposals for a settlement of the account |
with the State. (G.)

Geological Survey of Ulster, Sullivan and Delaware counties.

We have been solicited to present a claim on the part of the above
counties, founded on the assertion that their mineral resources were
but superficially or imperfectly examined during the late survey. It
is proposed to ask an appropriation of one thousand dollars for a fur-
ther examination of each of the said counties, being a total of three
thousand dollars. We doubt not but that such an appropriation might
be the means of developing the existence or the frequency of many
valuable substances, and thus both directly and indirectly increase

No. 124.] 9

the wealth of the State. But provision should be made to prevent its
waste or superficial employment. The individual or individuals ap-
pointed to the task should be required, as a pre-requisite, to report
what they intend doing, with a full plan of their proposed operations,
and the expenses that they presume will be attendant on the same.
This will prevent the necessity of additional appropriations, and at —
the same time enable the appointing power to form a safe opinion of
the qualifications of the geological surveyor. It is not our province
to enter further into this subject.
Respectfully submitted,
CHRISTOPHER MORGAN,
Secretary of State.
T. ROMEYN BECK,
Secretary of the Regents.
Albany, March 29, 1851.

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( A. )

MEMORANDUM OF PAYMENTS MADE ON ACCOUNT OF
THE NATURAL HISTORY OF NEW-YORK.

To the Legislature of the State of New-York:

The undersigned were charged with sundry duties by the enact-
ments of law passed during the Legislative Session of 1850. For
convenient reference they are here recited.

Chap. 360 of the Session Laws of 1850.

AN ACT to provide for the completicn of the Geological Survey of
the State. Passed April 10, 1850.
The People of the State of New-York, represented in Senate and
Assembly, do enact as follows :
Section 1. The Secretary of State is authorized and directed to

take charge ofall matters appertaining to the prosecution and publi-
cation of the geological survey of the State.

§ 2. It shall be the duty of the Secretary of the State and the
Secretary of the Regents of the University, to examine into and re-
port to the next Legislature upon all claims that may be made upon
the State, for work done on account of the geological survey, and
upon all contracts that may exist between the State and individuals
for work yet to be done on account of the survey.

§ 3. It shall be the duty of the Secretary of State and of the Sec-
retary of the Regents of the University to report to the next Legis-
lature a plan for the final completion of the said survey, and to sub-
mit the estimates of the cost of such completion.

§ 4. This act shall take effect immediately.

And again—Chap. 274. An act to provide for the payment of

certain expenses of government, (passed April 10, 1850,) contains the
following provision :

12 | AssEMBLY

« The sum of eighteen thousand dollars is hereby appropriated for
the payment of claims for services and expenses attending the publi-
cation of the Natural History of the State, to be paid on the certifi- .
cate of the Secretary of State and the Secretary of the Regents of the
University, to whose supervision the said work is committed and who
shall hereafter have the control of the same.”

In compliance with the above, we issued a notice in the Albany
Argus and the Albany Evening Journal, desiring all persons having
claims against the State, on account of the above, to present them at
the office of the Secretary of State, on or before the 1st of May,
1850.

It became our duty also to inform ourselves as to the existing con-
tracts for carrying on the work of the “* Natural History.” These
are given in full in Assembly Document of 1850, No. 9, pages 54,
55, 56, and are as follows :

MEMORANDUM OF AN AGREEMENT,

Made and entered into between the State of New- York, of the first
part, and Richard H. Pease of the city of Albany, of the second part,
the twenty-seventh day of July, one thousand eight hundred and
forty-seven: Witnesseth, That it is hereby covenanted and agreed
by and between the parties, aforesaid, that the said Pease shall and
may do, perform and execute all the lithographic engravings of the
drawings which are to be done on stone, requisite and designed for
completing the publication of the Natural History of the State of
New-York, under, and in pursuance of the act of the Legislature,
passed May 7, 1847, for that purpose, and also fifty plates of the
steel engravings of the said work, twenty-five of which said steel
plates, are to be from drawings illustrating that part of said work in
charge of Prof. Emmons, and the remaining twenty-five from draw-
ings illustrating that part of said work in charge of Prof. Hall ; and
also all the printing and lettering of the said engravings, above
agreed to be given to and done by said Pease.

And it is further agreed, as aforesaid, that the paper for said en-
gravings shall be equal in quality to that now in use for the illustra-
tions of said work. And that the engraving shall be as good as the
specimens exhibited to the Governor, which said specimens are mark-

No. 124.] 13

ed and signed “John Young,’ ‘‘E. Emmons” and “ James Hall.”
That the work, when done, shall be delivered to the geologists, at
the State Geological Rooms, and the steel plates shall be delivered
with the work, and become the, property of the party of the first part.
And it is declared, agreed and covenanted by, and in behalf of the
said party of the first part, that the amount of lithographic engravings
which said Pease shall have, and be entitled to under this contract,
shall be equal to one hundred plates, averaging twenty figures
each plate, and that the amount of steel engravings to be by him done,
as aforesaid, shall equal fifty plates, averaging the same number of
figures, per plate, as aforesaid.

And, it is further agreed, that the following prices shall be paid to
said Pease, for work done by him under this contract, viz :

For the lithographic engravings, $3 per figure, and the same price
for the steel engravings. For printing the same, $1.50 per hundred.
For lettering the same, $3.50 per plate, and for the paper 25 cents
per pound. No work to be paid for until delivered, as aforesaid,
and inspected by the geologists or one of them.

In witness whereof, and in pursuance of the power given to him
by the second section of the act aforesaid, in behalf of the State, John
Young, Governor of said State, hath hereto set his hand, and the said
Richard H. Pease, also, the day and year first above written. -

(Signed ) | JOHN YOUNG,
RICHARD H. PEASE.

MEMORANDUM OF AN AGREEMENT.

Made and entered into between the State of New-York, of the first
part, and John E. Gavit and James Duthie, of the city of Albany, of
the second part, the twenty-seventh day of July, one thousand eight
hundred and forty-seven: Witnesseth, that itis hereby covenanted
and agreed by and between the parties aforesaid, that the said Gavit
and Duthie shall and may, do, perform and exxcute, all the steel
engravings of the drawings which are to be done on steel, requisite

14 [ ASSEMBLY

and designed for completing the publication of the Natural History
of New-York, under and in pursuance of the act of the Legislature,
passed May 7, 1847, for that purpose, except fifty plates of the steel
engravings for said work to be done by Richard H. Pease, as speci-
fied in a contract heretofore made with said Pease on the twenty-
seventh day of July, 1847 ; and also, all the printing and lettering of

the said engraving above agreed to be given to and done by said
Gavit and Duthie.

And it is further agreed as aforesaid, that the paper for said en-
graving shall be equal in quality to that now in use for the illustra-
tions of said work, and that the engraving shall be-as good as the
specimens exhibited by the Governor, which said specimens are
marked and signed “ John Young,” ‘¢E. Emmons,” “ James Hall.”
That the work when done shall be delivered to the geologists at the
State Geological Rooms, and the steel plates shall be delivered with
the work and become the property of the party of the first part.
And it is declared, agreed and covenanted, by and in behalf of said
party of the first part, that the amount of engraving which said Gavit
and Duthie shall have and be entitled to under this contract, shall

be equal to one hundred and fifty plates, averaging twenty figures —
each plate. |

And it is further agreed that the following prices shall be paid to
said Gavit and Duthie for work done by them under this contract,
viz: For the engraving, three dollars per figure; for printing the
same, one dollar and fifty cents per hundred; for lettering the same
at three dollars and fifty cents per plate, and for the paper, twenty-
five cents per pound. No work to be paid for until delivered as
aforesaid and inspected by the geologists, or one of them.

In witness whereof, and in pursuance of the power given to them
by the second section of the act aforesaid, in behalf of the State, John —
Young, Governor of said State, hath hereto set his hand, and the said
John E. Gavit and James Duthie also, this day and year first above
written.

JOHN YOUNG,
JNO. E. GAVIT,
JAS. DUTHIE.

No. 124.] 15

As to coLorinG, it appears that a verbal contract was made with
Ebenezer Emmons, jun., (Assembly Document of 1850, No. 9, page
27.) The written evidence of such contract is a certificate, of which
the following is a copy:

‘¢ For the purpose of carrying into effect the law of 1847, for the
completion of the Natural History of the State of New-York, I ver-
bally designated to Ebenezer Emmons, jun., the coloring of the
plates, fruits and insects, or such of them as might be necessary in
the judgment of Messrs. Hall and Emmons, the gentlemen who had
charge of the execution of the survey.

(Signed,) “JOHN YOUNG.

“Dated, March 8, 1849.”

As to the pRawines, there was a verbal contract with James Hall
to execute or have executed the original drawings necessary in his
department. The charge made for each drawing is one dollar and
fifty cents.

Mr. Richard H. Pease presented sundry claims for work done as
above, which we proceeded to examine. As the account marked No.
\ contains sundry details, which it was necessary to compare with
the existing contracts, we will here state its various items:

State of New-York,
‘To Richard H. Pease, Dr.
For drawing on stone plate, (lithograph,)
Plate No. 79, Onondaga salt group, 17 figures.

82, do do 9 do

83, do do 13. do

84, do do 18 do
57 figures.

Ji sures at $3 Cachet agt..pbjnmae’she ae eee oeaminse's.. ter b400
bettering 4 peges, at $3.50)....aberiepemomed oe nileeles 14 00
4 pages printing at $45,. especie scbanrpeccdscytedagpe » 180/00
466 ibs. paper, at 20 cents,,,,icpichine snsalidcestpancish 9) 116125

$481 25

ae ant |

16 [ AssEMBLY

“The work indicated in the above bill has been completed, and the
printed impressions delivered at the Geological Rooms. The char-
acter of the engraving and printing are properly executed, and con-
form to the requirements of the contract. The quality and kind of
paper corresponds precisely with that heretofore used, and being the
same as that charged in last bill.

(Signed) “JAMES HALL.

“ Dated, June 28, 1849.”

It may not be unnecessary to add that the above account is for four
plates of fossils, which are to form part of the second volume of the
Paleontology of Professor Hall. The account in question was pre-
sented to the select committee, (Assembly Document, 1850, No. 9,)
of 1850, see page 82, and it is again noticed at page 175. The
variation of two dollars in thé former is probably a typographical,
and certainly an arithmetical error. ve

Believing this account to be in conformity to contract, which al-
lows:

For lithograph engravings, $3 per figure;

For printing the same, $1.50 per hundred;

For lettering the same, $3.50 per plate;

For the paper, 25 cents per pound; and further, “ No work to be
paid for until delivered, (to the geologists at the State Geological
Rooms,) and inspected by the geologists, or one of them,” we certi-
fied the above account to the Comptroller.

Mr. Richard H. Pease’s account, No. 2:
The State of New-York, Dr.

To plate
No. 74. Hubbardston Non Such and Peck’s Pleasant, 2 figures.

No. 79. Hall’s Pippin and Holland Pippin,....... 2 do
No. 9d. Capiaumont and Winter Nellis,....... . 2: do
No. 74 a. Virginia Sweeting and Fall Harvey,..... 2 do
No. 77. Pomme Gris and Cooper’s Redling,...... 2 do
No. 78. Belle et bonne and Hollow Core,........ 2 do
No. 76. Fall Strawberry and Gilte-Gilj) v.07. 2" (do
No. 76. Belmont or Gate, and Melon,.......... te a
No. 12 d. Washington and Flemish Beauty,....... 2 2 de
No..14.d. Fulton and Buffuin,.....0+.ccescsescee 2 dO
20

No. 124.] 1

Engraving 20 figures as above at $3.00, ....seeesceeseee $60 00
Betiering 10 paces:at $3.50, iio 9 vie arerajeeld Pe odie away cls 35 00
Pemung 10 pameg at $45.00) 0. ioe lice 'nieisieiave.s o's gene's - 450 00
1140: lbs: of paperat 25 cents,....4.000 veel selee ee siieiny); 200, 00

; $830 00

The work for which the foregoing charges are made, is executed in
a manner which is satisfactory to myself. The impressions for the
entire edition of plates have been delivered at the Old State Hall, to-
gether with steel plates, and the paper and work equal that required
in the contract.

(Signed) EBENEZER EMMONS.
Dated Albany, May 25, 1849.

This account like No. 1, had been submitted to the select committee
by Mr. Pease, in his letter dated August 4, 1849. (Assembly doc-
ument, No. 9, p. 82.)

Nos. 12d and 14d were engraved on steel, and in conformity to the
stipulations of the contract, the steel plates became the property of
State.

There could be no objection under the contract, to allowing this
_ account. We are, however, of opinion that the figures on the last
named plates are too few, that apparently they might have been doub-
led, without injuring the effect. But we greatly doubt whether we
have any power in the matter, and Mr. Pease distinctly stated to us
that the number of engravings on a single plate, whether few or
many, was altogether prescribed by the person directing the engraving.

The above plates form part of the 3d volume, by Professor Em-
mons. |

Mr. Richard H. Pease’s account No. 3, is as follows:
Engraving on steel plates.
Plate No. 13d., Bloodgood and Doyenne pears.

No. 11 d., Trout and Duchess D’ Angouleme pears.
4fivures of pears, at $3.00 ).0....:. ss ote ceses $12 00
Mettemng, 2ipages, at $3.00 vias «0.0 oth ic 40 7 00
Pama. 2 pages at $45.00. .0e.« ves auesre vice... 90,00

moar ies, Of paper at. 20 Cisias 6. sce orisiee, (00 OUg
——— $164 873
July 11, 1849.

| Assembly, No. 124. ] 2

18 | ASSEMBLY

Engraving on stone plate.
Plate No. 76, currants, 8 figures at $3.00,..... $24 00

Y pape lettering, . 0.0.4 SHR lees d 3 50
page printings <2. ote, mete Motes cates 45 00
1113 lbs. PAPEL, -ceoccece eoee0eee @xseee®eoveee ° vag 874
100 374
$265 25

Thereby certify, that the foregoing charges are correct, that the
execution of the work is satisfactory, that the paper and work is equal
in kind to that in the possession of the Executive, and that the im-
pressions and plates are delivered according to contract.

(Signed) EBENEZER EMMONS,
July 24, 1849.

I ought to state that the execution of the plates is of a very supe-
rior cast. (Signed) E.

These plates belong to the 3d volume of Professor Emmons’ work.

‘This account completes the exhibit of work done by Mr. Pease, as’
made by him to the select committee, (see page 82 of their report.)
Although of the opinion that the figures were too few, and that they
might have been doubled without injury to their beauty or effect, still
we had no discretion in the matter. The work had been completed,
approved and delivered. Mr. Pease at our request filed the follow-
ing affidavit :

City and County of Albany, ss—Richird H. Pease being duly
sworn, says that the three foregoing accounts, numbered 1, 2, 3, are
in all respects just and correct ; that the work therein charged has
all been executed in accordance with the contract of deponent with
the State of New-York, and that no part of said work has at any
time been paid for. |

(Signed) RICHARD H. PEASE.
Sworn this 25th day of April,)?
1850 before me, t |
WitirAm ParMeELer,
Albany County Judge.

No. [:124 19
Mr. R. H. Pease’s account, No. 4, is as follows :

To drawing on Stone.

Plate 64. Niagara Group, ........ aweaen) G figures:

76. Coralline Limestone,........< 10 figures.

W7 doi; Goralline Limestone, ..:...0i 4+ 6 figures.

ote) @linton Group, .....s. a2 es, 2) gure.

23
ee MERE AU Wy <'o's'a'e cleleialoieseleisls s wicle\e oo s/o) fe ebenee p09) 00
Lettering 4 pages, at $3.50, ..... Sela ches eai ere ssleseigtees i400
Printing 4 pages, 3,000 each, $45,....... aeatttere see! arol - 180 00
480th, paper, 25 cts,,..... 02+... Ue oR ee. teen a 120"0
Engraving on Steel.

Plate 2. Trenton Groups sd0/s)bis sie Se 45 figures.

53. Niagara Group, ...0.eee..s. 36 figures.
SH MARCES at PI). eis s cleswal cae site vedas e des cule dele 2451 00
Lettering 2 pages, $3.50,..... diel shelee dvewlel Be didid ofall Wars 7 00
Priming’ 2 pages; B45 joc oad cesses d Cece ceed veldies 90 00
240 Ibs. of paper, at 25 Cts., cecececescccncescscvssce 60 00
$783 00
SSS SS ST

The above account was duly certified by Mr. Hall as satisfactory,
and that the printed impressions had been delivered at the Geological
Rooms, as also the steel plates. Mr. Pease also filed an affidavit
similar to his former one. .We therefore certified the account to the
Comptroller.

Mr. Richard H. Pease’s account, No. 5, is as follows:

Drawing on Stone.
Plates 26 and 38, containing
Early Harvest apple, 3 figures, $3,........ $9 00
Early Strawberry, 3 figures, $3,....eceee050 9 00

Lettering two pages, $3.50,.....0.ese0- asin HOO
Printing, 2 pages; S45) Jui. ds cee laes welds es!) 90°00
240:Ibs. of paper, at 25/ets.,. ose. deeveee, 60: 00

Canned, forwards js.5 om 6's 9s disipisimpfalarnel TO KOU

20 | ASSEMBLY
Brought forwardy,...c'. Gs bie os alpieee taanyth et Omit ee

Drawing on Stone.
Plates 80 and 81, containing

Lemon Pippin, 3 figures, at $3;°.....2+ sees “$9 00
Yellow Vandeveer, 3 figures, $3,........... 9 00
Lettering "2ipages, $3100: *,>.7'1, Cee ee ee ee
Printing’ 2 pages, $45, ..:....Faessse sees es Oe
240) lbs. ‘paper,.25 cts... .. 6. .06s +6 sae) ir
Engraving on wood, one pear,...e.seeeess 3 00
29 original drawings of insects, at $1.50,... 43 50

$396 50

The above account was duly certified in the usual terms by Dr.
Emmons. Of the six figures on plates 26 and 38 two were merely
outlines, showing the shape of the fruit ; and again of the six figures
on plates 80 and 81 two were sections of fruit, showing in outline
‘the disposition of the seed vessels, &c. They must have been ex-
ecuted at a comparatively trifling expense ; but again, there had been
many large figures of fruit engraved, which probably, in labor (as
stated by Mr. Pease,) had exceeded the sum allowed, and it seemed
but equitable that in a contract of this description slight and ‘elaborate
drawings (if the former were not too numerous) should be included
in an average price. His strongest argument to us in favor of al-
lowing the account was, that these were the last engravings of fruit
to be-paid for and that nothing remained to be executed for the 3d
volume of Dr. Emmons but the insects,

It was agreed that there was no contract as to wood engravings,
although Mr. Pease stated that there had been a verbal direction to
him by Governor Young to execute any work that might be required
in that department. As Mr. Pease had further charges for wood en-
pravings it was agreed to withdraw this item for the present. The
engravings of insects were certified to by Dr. Emmons as having been
by his order, and that they were either in his possession or in Mr.
Pease’s hands for engraving. Mr. Pease made the usual affidavit
and his account was certified to the Comptroller at $393.50.

No. 124.] 21

May 3, 1850.

Mr. Pease urging payment of his accounts, and having purchased
from Ebenezer Emmons, Jr., his account against the State for color-
ing, which was recognized by the committee, of which Mr. Cornell
was chairman, as amounting to $6,000, we, in orderto have more
time to examine this and other accounts in detail agreed, to advance
to him $3,000 on the above account, and: certified accordingly to the
Comptroller.

Professor Hall presented the following accounts :

1. Erastus H. Pease, for stationery furnished,....... $11 00
2. Matthew Gregan, for labor in opening boxes, ar-

ranging specimens, making fires, &c., from Dec. 1,

1849, to Jan. 1, 1850, one-half of the time at $2.50

per, week... <a. Rieteiore aeiaiei se thera ia wi oieliere folio steve alatals 10 00

Do. for similar services from je 1, 1850, to April

1, 1850, four-fifths of the time, for thirteen weeks

ee eet es Soe siaieteish ciere ahaieieheuntal oie sisi 52 00
o. FE. J. Swinton, original drawings of oe made

since July 1, 1849, seventy-six figures for the re-

port on PRs ntolbey, GUT Aeb NOs cia. alles esis! cies icles 114 00

4. Mrs. Brooks, drawings of fossils, 250 erent at
BE OU. Ae me's Sieteietetereveie sre elol diciers ‘e/e'clesticta’ a's "se ‘ 375 00
5. Mrs. 8S. M. Hall, 251 figures drawn, at $1.50,.... 376 50

6. James Hall, charges for freight and ate of
boxes, packing boxes, &c.,. en ‘ 9 38
O. Root, freight of boxes from sovaveuia. te 1847,. 3 00

Amount paid Lake Wilder for collections Bae in
Ae sy sihss)s.0c ab ealsie CU/eI cher atu sO) Cheeta ole ai eile 25 00
$975 88

As some of the above accounts for the drawings of fossils were
presented in gross, we required specifications of the particular ones
drawn, as minute as could be made, and also that they should desig-
nate whether they were intended for the second or third volume of
the Paleontology. We have these on file, and so faras we can esti-
mate, of the 577 drawings charged 217 were for the second volume,
and 360 drawings for the third or ensuing volumes.

"22 _ [Assempny

Before auditing the above account, we required from Mr. Hall an
affidavit, in the same words as that required from him by Governor
Fish, for a similar account in 1849, and which is as follows :

James Hall, of the city of Albany, being duly sworn, saith, that
he has been employed as one of the State Geologists, and that he has
made and entered into a contract with the State of New-York, in the
year 1847, for original drawings of fossils for the department of Pa-
leontoley, at the rate of one dollar and fifty cents per drawing ; that
in pursuance of the said contract, deponent has prepared the original
drawings of fossils specified in the above bill; that none of the said
drawings have been charged to or paid for by the State of New-York,
in any bill previously rendered by this deponent, or by any other
person, and that he has not at any time received any sum or sums of
money for or on account of the said drawings, orany or either of them;
and further, that the sum of siz hundred dollars and eighty-eight cents*
therein mentioned is wholly and justly due to this deponent, under
and in strict accordance with the contract of this deponent, made in
the year 1847, in pursuance of “An act for completing the publica-
tion of the Natural History of New-York,” passed May 7, 1847;
and further, deponent saith, that it was previously and at that time a
part of this contract to be paid for all packing paper, and for boxes,
and for stationery used, and that in addition to this he was allowed
the sum of $500 annually, to be expended for assistants and other
incidental expenses necessary for the completion and perfection of
‘the work in which he is engaged, and that under this part of his con-
tract, the annexed bills are also due.

(Signed,) “JAMES HALL.
‘¢ Subscribed and sworn before me,
this 7th day of May, 1850.
‘CCuristopHER Morean, Secretary of State.”

Dr. Emmons presented a claim for $275, paid to Dr. James H.
Salisbury, while acting as his assistant in preparing the volumes of
Agriculture. Dr. Emmons stated at the same time, that he had no
legal authority to employ an assistant, but that such a person had
been absolutely necessary for the completion of the work.

*#The difference in the sum above named, is owing to the fact that we executed
.@ separate certificate for Mrs. Brooks, amounting to $375.

No. 124.] 23

Dr. Salisbury’s receipt was as follows :

Received of Ebenezer Emmons, two hundred and seventy-five
dollars, for services in the laboratory and for the State Agricultural
Survey. Albany, Oct. 16, 1848.

(Signed) J. H, SALISBURY.

Considering that the labor necessary for completing the volumes
on Agriculture must have been great, and that the equity of the
claim had been conceded by our proceedings on a previous account,
we certified the above to the Comptroller, with a distinct statement
to Dr. Emmons and Professor Hall, that no further indebtedness,
either for assistants or for contingent expenses, ought hereafter to be
incurred.

Mr. Richard H. Pease presented the following account.
1848.
Sept. 27. To 28 colored drawings of fruit, viz :
4 raspberries, 8 peaches, 16 apples, at 12s... $42 00
Oct. 17. For 2 apples and 6 pears, at J2s.......0 000. 12 00
27. For 10 apples and 1 egg plant, 12s. ........

Nov. 6. Engraving on wood, 1 pear, 2 apples, 2 cherries,

Voce toe stew eee ese saws cea eee) TO UU
1848.
Dec. 21. Engraving 4 beans, 1 Sweet potato, 1 Martonia,
1 artichoke, 4 tomatoes, $3,.....+.seecee - 33.00
28. Engraving on wood, 68 pears and apples,
4 19 grapes and currants,
1849.
Feb. 10. Engraving on wood, 22 apples and pears,
17. th if 25 apples and cherries,
March 6. * % 20 apples.

oe

154 figures, at $3,....... 462 00

$580 50
Deduct 45 figures of wood engravings,.... +...» $135 00

$445 50

See Ce eee
SORE eee

24 . [ AssEMBLY

I hereby certify that the work charged in the foregoing account
has been executed according to the terms cf the contract, and has
been used in the work upon the Agriculture of New-York.

(Signed) | EBENEZER EMMONS.
. Albany, March 16, 1850.

Most of the above work bas been done more than a year anda .

half.

The foregoing bills consisting of charges for original colored draw-
ings and engravings on wood, were made by my direction, for the
illustrations of the 2d volume of Agriculture. Albany, May 3,
1850. 3

(Signed) EBENEZER EMMONS.

The above items will be found in the estimate for. completing the
2d volume of Dr. Emmons’, on page 170 of Assembly Poca of
1850, No. 9, although the A ete there stated i is larger.

We enquired as to the authority for aconattl the wood engravings,
and the prices charged for the same, and were told by Mr. Pease that
verbal agreement had been entered into between him and Governor
Young. On application to the Governor, he stated his want of re-
collection on the subject.

Mr. Pease subsequently presented the following :

‘ST certify that at the time the written contracts were made as to
the lithography and steel engravings, it was agreed by Governor
Young, that what wood engravings should be necessary for illustra-
tions, should be done by Mr. Pease and paid for at the same prices
as the work specified in the written contracts. He thought there
would not be enough of it to make it worth while to encumber the
written contracts with any provisions respecting it and assigned that
as a reason why he thought it best not to insert any. Albany May
10, 1850.

(Signed) WILLIAM PARMELEE.

We certified the account to the Comptroller, viz: 445 50
adding one wood engraving of a pear taken from account
INOS Deore we bh 5 oho es hee, 8 o/n elie a «0/6 @eeeae e@eoeeeeé 3 00

$448 50

No. 124.] 25

At the same time advising Mr. Pease that we considered all con-
tracts as to wood engravings at an end, and that if hereafter required,
they must be the subject of specific agreement.

Mr. James Duthie of the firm of Gavit & Duthie, presented to us
the following copy of an agreement between himself and Mr. Gavit:

Agreement made this twenty-second day of November, in the year
1849, between John E. Gavit of the c ty and county of Albany, of
the first part and James Duthie of the same place, of the second
part as follows, viz: The said party of the second part in consi-
deration of the sum of two hundred and fifty dollars to him in hand
by said party of the first party, hereby sells, assigns, transfers
and sets over unto the said party of the first part, all and singular the
right, title and interest of the said party of the second part, of, in and
to all the property and effects of every description belonging to the
late firm of Gavit & Duthie, this day dissolved, or to the persons
heretofore composing the said firm, and of, in and to all the debts,
dues and demands of every name or nature, &c.

And it is mutually covenanted, promised and agreed by and be-
tween the parties hereto, that all monies due, or to grow due hereaf-
ter, upon a certain contract between the parties to these presents,
then comprising the said firm of Gavit & Duthie, and the State of
New-York, dated July 27, 1847, shall be disposed of and appropria-
ted as the same may be from time to time received, between the said
parties hereto, in the following manner, viz: All such moneys that
may be due, or that may accrue, upon said contract, for lettering,
printing and paper, done or furnished in pursuance of the terms there-
of, shall be received by the said party of the first part, for his own
use and benefit, and all the moneys that now be due, or may hereafter
fall due upon such contract for engraving done in pursuance thereof,
shall be paid to and received by the said party of the second part for
his sole use and benefit. But it is nevertheless expressly: understood
and agreed by and between the said parties to these presents. that a
certain sum now unsettled, claimed by said parties to have become
due to said firm, upon the said contract on the first day of May 1849,
amounting to four hundred and twenty dollars shall belong solely to
said party of the first part, who may collect, adjust or settle the same,
as he shall think fit, to his own sole use and benefit. And it is fur-
ther mutually covenanted and agreed by and between said parties,
that all the foregoing covenants and agreements shall bind and enure

26 [ ASSEMBLY

to the benefit of the legal representatives of said respective parties.
In witness whereof, &c.
(Signed). JOHN E. GAVIT,
| : JAMES DUTHIE.
Sealed and delivered in presence of :
Rogpert Reynoups, Witness.

Under this agreement, Mr. Duthie presented the following account:

To engraving 252 figures on steel, at $3 each figure, for the second
volume of Professor Hall’s Palzontology,
Plate A.17. Clinton Group, Graptolites, 12 figures,.. $36 00

_ 28. Clinton, Gasteropoda,..... 40 figures,.. 120 00
41. Niagara Group, Crinoidea, 14 figures,.. 42 00
42. do do o4 figures,.. 102 00
45. do do o7 figures,.. 111 00
46, : do do 29 fioures,.. 87 00
49. a. do do 19 figures,.. 57 00
50. do Cystidea,... 29 figures,.. 87 90
51. do do 24 figures,.. 72 00
70. do Trilobites,.. 14 figures,.. 42 00

oo eee ooes Chee

252 figures,.. $756 00

I certify that the plates enumerated in the above bill have been
executed under my direction, for the Paleontology of New-York,
and that the same are engraved ina satisfactory manner, and in ac-
cordance with the contract. Albany, May 18, 1850.

(Signed,) JAMES HALL.

Received May 18, 1850, of James Duthie, engraver, the following
steel plates belonging to volume 2 of the Paleontology :

No. A. 17, 28, 41,
42, 45, 46,
49a, BO, 51;
70, in all ten plates. Also, letter proof of the same.

(Signed,) JOHN GEBHARD,
Curator State Cabinet.

We certified the above account to the Comptroller at $756.

No. 124.] | 27
Mr. R. H. Pease presented the following account:

State of New-York,
To Ebenezer Emmons, jun.
To coloring 81,000 pages for the illustration of the third volume of
Agriculture.
Fiates 8,'9,10,'11,‘12,°18, 14, 15,16 c, ‘1 4,'2 2,3 a, 34,
35, 39,40, 41, 42, 43,59, 60, 61, 62, 66, 67.
3,000 impressions at 5 cents each.

95 plates at $150 each, ........ sctyeiaters « sisi: po 200; OO
One plate of insects at $150, ...... cece nee Bilis ede esats 150 00
One plate Wendell’s cherry, at $150,........ cee eee ‘ 150 00

To coloring 61,000 pages for the illustrations of the third
volume of Agriculture.

Plate Jp, 3.000 each at 5. cents each,.....4.. oc s0js00.eje84s 150 00
26,3 b,4 6, 5 6, 6b: 4,5, 6, 7, 57, 48,49—12

Wila@s, at WOO CAN. s.sarss <. cise n.c,she 0.0 68, ©'spe0.0,2:¢ 1,800 00

Also, 22,000 pages of Temperature tables at 5 cts. each, 1,100 00

To making 434 original drawings, at $1.50 each,...... 651 00

$7,751 00

a
Cae eS SET

I have examined the foregoing bills for work executed for the
Agricultural Report and find it correct, and also certify that it has
been finished according to the terms of the contract under which it is
performed.

(Signed) EBENEZER EMMONS.

Albany, April 1, 1850.

Sratr or New-York, as

Albany county, :
_ Ebenezer Emmons, Jr., of the city of Albany, being duly sworn,
deposes and says the work specified in the within bills has been exe-
cuted for the use of the State of New-York, according to the contract
under which it was performed, and that no part thereof has been
paid for.

(Signed) EBENEZER EMMONS, Jr.
Sworn before me, April 1, 1850.
Wituiam D. Moraneer,
Commissioner of Deeds, Albany county.

28 [ ASSEMBLY.

Know all men by these presents, that I, Ebenezer Emmons, Jr.,
of the city and county of Albany, and the State of New-York, for
and in consideration of the sum of one doilar, to me in hand paid, the
receipt of which is hereby confessed and acknowledged, do hereby
assign, transfer and set over to Richard H. Pease, of the same place,
all my claim against the State of New-York for work done and ma-
terials furnished for the said State of New-York, amounting to the
sum of seven thousand seven hundred and fifty-one dollars, which
claim is now actually due and unpaid.

In witness whereof, I hereunto set my hand and seal, this first day
of April, 1850.

(Signed) EBENEZER EMMONS, Jr.

In presence of Earu P. Pease.

A portion of the above claim ($6,000) was presented to the select
committee of 1850. We have already stated the terms on which
the coloring was to be performed, and the discretion left to the res-
pective Professors, (see page 27 of the report.) To this may be added
the following extract from the testimony of EK. Emmons, Jr., (page
108 of said report,) ‘‘ There was a verbal agreement made by me
with Governor Young that I should do the coloring at five cents per
page. The number of pages to be colored was not specified. ‘There
was no time fixed for the continuance of the contract.

Under the above state of facts we required a certificate from Dr.
KE. Emmons that he had taken the responsibility of ordering the color-
ing as charged above. The following was presented to us.

‘For the purpose of carrying into effect the objects of the geolo-
gical and ugricultural survey I was fully authorized to construct and
color such illustrations as might be necessary. I therefore authorized
the construction and coloring of the plates now in the hands of Mr.
Pease. The coloring of the temperature plates became necessary in
consequence of the crossing of tke lines of observation ; and this mode
of illustration of the variations of temperature is the only one of much
use. By the plates the entire range of temperature for the several
points of observation is seen at once and easily comprehended.
Whereas by columns of figures only we can acquire only imperfect
ideas on the subject. Persons who have inspected the colored plates
have invariably approved of them. The easy comparison of the lines

No. 124.] 29

of temperature upon each plate, and the plates with each other when
colored, is too obvious to require remark.

As regards the fruits, there was no subject in the Survey so im-
portant as this, when I commenced it, and I could not have done less
than I have done; and in order to give usefulness to this part of the
work, they should also be colored: of this there can be no doubt,
and upon this point, and also upon the question of authority, I was
authorised by the several committees to whom the subject had been
committed, and also by Governor Young, whose certificate appears
in the public documents. JI deem it necessary that all the plates
should be colored, inasmuch as it is only by the color that the different
fruits can be distinguished from each other.

(Signed) E. EMMONS.

We requested, after considering the above statement :

1. That the affidavit of E. Emmons, Jr., be obtained, to the effect
that the plates charged as above had been colored, or were in the
process of coloring, as mentioned in the report of the committee of
1850, previbus to the order of Governor Fish for discontinuing the
coloring ; and also that the Temperature Tables, as charged in the
account, were colored before the order of Governor Fish. We re-
ceived the following :

State of New-York, Albany, ss.—Ebenezer Emmons, Jr., of the
city of Albany, deposes and says, that the whole number of plates
colored before the order was given by Gov. Fish to stop, was forty-
six, including six in process of coloring, being those mentioned by
Mr. Cornell in his report. Said deponent further says, that the tem-
perature tables were entirely finished previous to said order of Gov.

Fish.
(Signed) EBENEZER EMMONS, Jr.

Sworn to before me this 18th
day of May, 1850.
Wiuiiam D. Moranece,
Commissioner of Deeds.

2. That copies of the forty colored plates should be deposited with
us. This was complied with, so far as related to the 3d volume of
Dr. Emmons’. Those belonging to the 2d volume were in the hands
of the printer and bookbinder.

30 ) [ ASSEMBLY

3. That the 434 original drawings be described, and a copy of this
be left with us, and that as many as possible be deposited with the
Curator of the State Cabinet of Natural History. This was com-
plied with, and the list is in our possession, open to examination. A

large proportion of the drawings were all deposited with Mr. Geb-
hard.

With the above testimony before us, the statements in Mr. Cor-
nell’s report, as already quoted, relative to the number of colored
plates, either finished or in process of completion, there appeared to
be no alternative but to audit the account, which we did, to the

amount of $4,751; three thousand dollars having been previously
audited.

Mr. John E. Gavit presented the following account :

To printing the following 10 steel plates for the Agricultural De-
partment, under the direction of Professor Emmons :

3,000 impressions from temperature plate for April,.... $45 00

6c és 66 May, ..s. 45 00
6s cs 6 August, .. 45 00
Ts cc 6 September, 45 00
iT 6 6 October,.. 45 00
% 66 6c November, 45 00
ce 6c 66 December, 45 00
6 “ ‘¢ =June monthy mean, 45 00
66 6 plate 13, wood structure, 45 00
«6 6 plate 14, “t 45 00_
To 1,094 Ibs. of paper, at 25 cts. per Ib.,....... jeclee 273 44
| $723. 44

ee eee

Albany, May, 31, 1850. Rec’d of Mr. Gavit, two thousand sets
of each of the above ten plates, which, in addition to the two lots of
500 each, heretofore received, amounting to 3,000 sets as above
charged, and being for the 2d volume of Emmons’ Agricultural
Survey.

(Signed) C. VAN BENTHUYSEN.

We required an affidavit from Mr. Gavit, that the work had been
executed according to contract, and that it had not been previously

No. 124.] 31

paid for ; and that he deposite the 10 steel plates with Mr. Gebhard.
All of which was complied with, and the account was then certified.

Mr. Gavit presented the following account :

The State of New-York, to Gavit & Duthie, Dr.
To engraving 14 steel plates of Temperature tables, avera-
ging 10 figures per plate, amounting in the aggregate
to 140 figures at $3,- per GPAINE,./cie oot iPods 's coe sae DELO LUO

This account is noticed in Mr. Gavit’s testimony (Assembly docu-
ment, 1850, No.9, page 110.) There are twenty-one tables on fourteen
plates. Mr. Gavit estimates each plate as equal to ten figures. Dr.
Emmons, it appears, regarded the whole at 21 figures only. It ap-
pears that the above account was submitted to Governor Fish, who
waived the payment in 1849, because he was restricted by law, to
make no payment except in ‘strict conformity” to the contracts.
Unfortunately there is nothing in the contracts to meet the difficulties
in the case. Itis quite evident that they might have been avoided
by a few previous arrangements, or by a reference to the Executive.

Under all the circumstances of the case, we do not feel willing to
disallow a charge sworn to as reasonable, under oath, (See Assembly
document, 1850, No. 9, p. 110) and which indeed appears to us, to
have involved a considerable deal of minute labor. Again the color-
ing of these plates, trivial as it is,is charged at nearly treble the above
account. We therefore certified it to the Comptroller.

Mr. Pease, presented the following in June, but dated May 22,1850:

Engraving on steel.

eee) | D2, (OF fo ures abo AOU. «ieieia\e'e.a o/s. s0sjanle Shinjs/eis $192 00.
A 66, 37 es Osco ss) sisie'e 161 Siaie we mice: cael lt 00

22, 25 ee Pg QO jrororcrertftiebaiers odds 10. % 75 00
Bettenne, S.vplade@s Gt 850 swe 0 wiese0 oes. ogee 9 CRE 10 50
Printing 3,000 impressions of each at $45,....... veews 135 00
860 Ibs. of paper. for doiat 25, cts.jecnes eaee da siisis cetere 90 00
$613 50

——

I certify that the work specified as above had been executed under
my direction for the 2d volume of the Palzontology of New-York, and
that the same has been done in accordance with the tenor of the con-

tract. (Signed ) JAMES HALL,

32 | ASSEMBLY

Mr. Gebhard subjoined a certificate that he had received the 3
steel plates in question, with 3,000 impressions from each at the ge-
ological rooms. We certified this account.

Mr. Hall presented the following accounts:

Mrs. Brooks, for the following extra drawings, added to the plates
of the volume now in press, (2d vol. Palzontology,) since the last ac-
count was rendered.

Of Calopordsc wise wives 4's POA BOE oseoe 4 drawings.
Catimporaycogiiass ¢ rl Ne o velele OM ;
Dietyonemayig wows bsedt. COLL ge
Clittoperal ok scigea<d ally oui? lily Jad
Catinipora, (large)..... Je eWihe salto 2
Heliolitess:. o) J304 OM IM oe Sane al
Helin Mlegans, 0, 2h. 1 way RRS Eh ae
Pelioites testa Spy, a, Boe oe O
Pavosites Majonensise see C4 ge cee
CatiniporaApelomerata yi, iis. cece 3
Helohtes* Spiniera, sey. eens coe 4
PNUCS LU es cate) ossuaiaidy shake au War ate Seg leae mye,
Stromatepora and Catinipora,......... 2
Felix Py ritormnss co. 0:50.80 ca cegive

40 at $1.50, $60 00

Professor Hall added a certificate as follows: The drawings spe-
cified in the within bill have been made for the second volume of the
Paleontology, and have not been previously paid for.

Mr. Hall presented at the same time, an account for drawings by

Mrs. Hall:

Fenestella of Clinton Group,........ 5 figures,
Streptolosma,. ..ceseceeees srwatloes 2 hioures,
Caryocrinus and Callocystites,........ 11 figures,
Diplophyllum and others, 5 corals,... 5 figures,

23 at $1.50, $34 50
with a similar certificate. We certified the accounts to the Comp-
troller $94.50.

Professor Hall mentioned that the drawings for the second volume
of his work were now completed.

No. 124.] 33
Mr. Pease presented the following account :

For drawings on stone for third volume of the Paleontology,
One page Shaly Limestone, Gasteropoda,... 13 figures, $39 00

One page do deine) cwitini via a's ote MIOMKES, 36 00
One page Ce pecith hasitney oiagh abish ale Pere) Bitetihys 30 00
One page CAM cere oe oye ) oe teures, 27 00
One page do Acephala, ..... 10 figures, 30 00
One page do reidis.6 6 be Suisse y Ob NEMINES, 24 00
One page do Orthocera, ..... 8 figures, 24 00
One page do dO, oss ec0) Oeigoures, 15 00
Lettering 8 pages as above, at $3.50,. ...0 000 sees ‘. 28 00
PeMiing: G Paes At: PAD ys cicieicsisedesa cued ceceee toes 360 00
960 lbs. paper, at 25 cents,.......... wie Sioa Blaliyevertlelole 240 00

$853 00

re ee

I certify that the work specified above has been executed under my’
direction for the third volume of the Paleontology of New-York,
and that the same has been executed in a satisfactory manner, and in
accordance with the contract.

(Signed) JAMES HALL.

Received, Albany, Sept. 7, 1850, of Richard H. Pease, the fol-
fowing lithographic plates belonging to the Paleontology of New-
York, volume 3:

Plate Pentamerus Limestone, Orthoceratites, 3,000 impressions.

Plate Delthyris Shaly Limestone, do do

Plate do do Gasteropoda, do

Plate do do do do

Plate do do do do

Plate do do do do

Plate do do Acephala, do

Plate do do do do ,
(Signed,) JOHN GEBHARD, Jun.,

Curator, §c.
We certified the above account to the Comptroller.

| Assembly, No. 124.] 3

34 [ AssemBLy

Mr. Pease presented the following account: )
For drawing on stone the following plates (vol. 2 of the Paleon-

tology.)
Plate.27. Clinton group, 24 figures, ...cesccessonsecs pia OD

75. Coralline limestone, 14 figures, ....+.se0sec¢ 42 00
13. Clinton group, tracks, 5 figures,......seseee 5 00
14. Clinton group, tracks, 4 figures, ....... weutee 12 00
Lettering 4 plates, $2.50; 0). 500... 5. a oie ai kete stag 14 00

Printing 4 plates $45,000 feds ces $s8e ages Seren arene
480"lbs. paper, at 25 cefits,' .... ote e cece cts een else) err

$455. 00

re
aes

I have examined and approved the work. specified above, as far as
the drawings on stone are named, and they conform to the require-
ments of the contract.

(Signed) JAMES HALL.

Received, Albany, Sept. 14, 1850, of Richard H. Pease, the fol-
lowing lithographic prints belonging to the Paleontology, vol. 2 :

Plate 13. Clinton group, tracks, ......«. +seoe 93,000 impressions,
14. Clinton group, tracks, .... oils “P do
27. Clinton group, Acephala, ........ ae do
75. Coralline limestone, Acephala, ..... do
(Signed) JOHN GEBHARD, Jr.,
ate Curator.

We certified the above account to the Comptroller.

Mr. Pease presented the following account :

For coloring 16,000 temperature tables, at $5 per hun-
GREG otic ess clo ate le a eich eoe28 ceom eee ©Ceagevevesod $800 00

This was accompanied with a receipt from Messrs. C. & P. Van
Benthuysen, public printers, stating that they had received each the
above impressions colored from Mr. Pease. They were the balance
unpaid for. A portion had been colored by E. Emmons, Jr., as will
be observed in a previous account. We entertained the opinion, to
which we still adhere, that the expense of coloring might have been
altogether avoided, by requiring the prominent lines to have ‘been
more deeply engraved. But the matter had been commenced before
1850, a portion of the plates had been already colored, and the ques-
tion remained whether these temperature tables should be allowed to

No. 124.]. - 35
go out partly colored and partly not. We therefore certified the ac-

count, having previously authorized the completion of the coloring.

Mr. Gavit presented the following account :

To printing 3,000 impressions of each of the plates
17 a 28, 42, 43, 45, 46, 48, 49 a 70, vol. 2d of the

Paleontology, being 27,000 impressions at $15,... 405 00
984 Ibs. of paper, at 25 cents,. ....2cccceeees ANE 246 00
| $651 00

This was accompanied with a certificate of Mr. Gebhard that he
had received the above impressions, with the steel Sa ge and we
accordingly certified the account.

On referring to the abstract of contracts thus certified at the con-

clusion of this communication, the total amount will be found to
BA ed anp ees cee eeoeeeoeeoesweseseet © @8 @ @®2o08 ®@ $17,569 82

Out of the appropriation of $18,000, we have paid
the following contingent accounts :
To G. Van Wie, carpenter, for sundry work done in

the Geological Feoomss ese? hee OD OSLO O0
To J. S. Cameron, for work done in the Ge- | |

ological Hooms,2. 33.408 seaa ese eds 34 99
To Richard Van Rensselaer, for insurance

on the 2d volume of the Agriculture, va-

luing thie Samie al $2,000, os 26s cas «+00 15 00
To John Gebhard, Curator, for dulteotibg’

assorting and arranging the wood cuts,

drawings, steel plates and engravings, both

lithographed and on steel, (the last amount-

ing to above 300,000 impressions,) and

making a report « on the same, hereunto an-

nexed, eaveaee0e2e082 eee 8seeocveoeaeeee08 8008 200 00
| : $250 99

$17,829 81
CHRISTOPHER MORGAN,
: Secretary of State.
T. ROMEYN BECK,
Sec’y of the Reg’ts of the University.

No.

36

[ AssemEiy

ABSTRACT OF ACCOUNTS CERTIFIED TO THE

1.

2.

. 10.

82.

pL?

. James Hall, contingent expenses, ...

COMPTROLLER.

Richard H. Pease, 4 plates, vol. 2, Hall’s Pa-
leontology, «ieee cies bia le brspenie pple we alsge
Richard H. Pease, 10 plates, vol. 3, Emmons’
ULV EF y is sin sures eveame ss 90,5) 0,0 /bhe ote olay eta elect

. Richard H. Pease, 3 plates, vol. 3, Emmons’

UTC ce ialsie st ole tdci otis eine

. Richard H. Pease, 6 plates, vol. 2, Halls Pa-

Teeontolop ys \. fe ia.. « o:0,0,5.° Co eee cen eveces

. Richard H. Pease, 4 re vol. 3, Emmons’

Survey,.. eee eecoevoeeeeneeesneene ©8828 8 @
Richard H. Beebioc: 99 drawings of insects,..

. Richard H. Pease, on account of E. Binicroiih

Jr., contract for coloring plates,........6.

66 «< ; a
Mr. Swinton’s drawings of fossils,..

375 00
376 50

Mrs. Brooks’ drawings of fossils,..
Mrs. Hall’s drawings of fossils,....
Jameg(Hall’s expenses, .2...2040¢ °

. Dr. Emmons, for the services of Dr. Salisbury,

as assistant in the preparation of the Report
on Agriculture, .

eeeseeee8 8 @& @ 6 @ ®©e@# © @

. Richard H. Pease, 47 drawings and 171 wood

engravings, Dr. Emmons’ Survey,......0.
Jas. Duthie, engraving 10 steel plates of Hall’s
PalecOMLOlOOy. piee ais cus 25's cele exe aie eile ere

. Ebenezer Emmons, Jr.,account by R. H. Pease:

For coloring, balance,....... °
For 434 original drawings,....

$4,100 00
651 00

John E. Gavit, printing 3,000 impressions each,
from 10 steel plates, and paper for the same,
Gavit & Duthie, engraving 14 temperature ta-
les,” siis:«03f SHCA oS 2 BERS bids ABE ao elalvte ee oie

37 38

$481 25

830 00:
265 25
783 00

350 00
43 50

8,000 00

975 88

275 00

448 50

756 00

4,751 00

123 44

ED ee

Carried forward, 11s cfes% ss «

eeee seen eeee $14,102 82

No, 124.] 37

Browsht Torwartl, 2 cs0n . ccs wae ses « daewn ees QLegtO2 B2

No. 14. R. H. Pease, 3 steel engravings, for Hall’s Pa-
leontology, vol. 2, sh. de- wee itncalsve-b/eneiaie'e 613 50

No. 15. Mrs. Hall and Mrs. Brooks, 63 drawings of fos-
Sill Seca y sheer shi cie' sis, @ eines aite/ shallel's) a airwrlaleleve.-«. «(aie 94 50

No. 16. R. H. Pease, 8 lithographic plates, for 3d vol.
Gi E AleOUUOLOL Ys > octets sso ccc e ainies nis 853 00

No. 17. R. H. Pease, 4 lithographic plates for 2d vol. of
er” Paleontoloay, acess: rere eret a aeeene wi atht ares abe ak oto 8) 9

No. 18. R. H. Pease, coloring 1,600 temperature fend
Ai seeL MUMUTCU,S we ecles es eytisserses so se 800 00

No. 19. John E. Gavit, printing 9 plates, vol. 2, Pale-
ONLOlOLY, All, PAVCTs 60 9)< ws: 0.4 ahh sonst Siege 651 00
$17,569 82

Sundry contingent expenses,

No. 20'and 21. G. Van Wie, carpenter work,.......+ 17 50
No. 22. J. S. Cameron, Be els hii nace cae ie 34 99
No. 23. Richard Van Rensselaer, insurance, »......0 15 00

No. 24. John Gebhard, Curator of the property of ie
Natural ies Said a denetefy sha es leah ah> wil 200 00
$17,837 31

es oe ee
CY ae ED

‘This is the amount drawn for, as it stands on the Comptroller’s
books. No. 21, however, ($7.50) must be repaid, as it is properly
chargeable to the fund for international exchanges, being for boxes
to contain the “ Natural History of New-York” presented to foreign
countries. It will be refunded by the Regents of the University.

The actual amount expended under the appropriation is, therefore,
$17,829.81.

38 [ AsseMBLY

(B. )
MR. GEBHARD’S REPORT.

Srate Gxrorocicaz Rooms, ¢
Albany, February 12, 1851.

To the Hon. Curisropuer Morean, Secretary of State, and
T. Romeyn Becx, Secretary of the Regents of the. University:
Gentlemen,—In compliance with your instructions, pursuant to the
power and authority vested in you by virtue of the act of the Legis-
lature of the State of New- York, entitled “* Am act to provide for the
completion of the Geological Survey of the State,” passed April 10)
1850, directing me to make out and deliver to you,

' First, A brief statement, setting forth in which of the departments
of the Geological Survey of the State the publication is complete,
and in which of the departments it remains incomplete and unfinished.

Second, A statement, in detail, of all the materials intended to
be used in completing the publication of the Geological Survey of
the State, which were in the custody of the State in the Geological
Rooms, on the 10th day of April, 1850 ; and,

Third, A like statement of all such materials, intended for the
same purpose, received into the Geological Rooms since the 10th day
of April last, and up to the date of this communication,—I would
respectfully

REPORT:

‘That in obediedience to those instructions, I have endeavored to
ascertain and collect all the facts within my power bearing upon the
matters embraced in your inquiries, and to present the result of my
examinations in as concise a manner as is compatible with a full un-
derstanding of the subject.

The length of time that has elapsed since the commencement of
the publication, the various artists who have been employed on the
unfinished portions, and the want of a consecutive system in finishing
the plates, have been the means of mystifying the matter, and render-
ed it almost impossible to arrive at correct and accurate information
as to the present state of the unfinished portions of the publication of

Nol] 39

the Geological Survey. I have endeavored, however, as far as in
me lay, to simplify and condense the facts elicited during my investi-
gations, so that they might be clearly understood, and now present
them for your consideration.

i ae of the Natural History of the State of New-York, in
which the publications are complete.

No. of Vols.
Grotocy—By professors Vanuxem, Hall, Emmons and
ALR EP 5:s. js ayeia wae DIM OB ENT» bors sit ia ei eaiere 4
MinEraLocy— By. professor Lewis C. Beck,........+. AS 1
Zootoey—By Dr. De Kay,.....scesscscecs geld eipleialaire 5
Botany—By. professor Torrey,...cssceccoscccseescene 2
12
Departments of the Natural History in which the publications are
incomplete.
- PALMONTOLOGY.
AGRICULTURE.

In the paleontological department the first volume is completed,
and in the Agricultural Department the first and second volumes are
completed. -The following statements will show the condition
of the unfinished portions of the publication in each of these
Departments.

Al statement of all the materials intended to be used in completing the

publication of the geological survey, which were in the custody of the
State, in the Geological Rooms onthe 10th day of April 1850.

DEPARTMENT OF PAL MONTOLOGY.
There are three thousand printed impressions of each of the fol-
_ lowing plates, viz :

Vourme II.

Vol. 2. Medina Sandstone,(Plants)............ etd BEG 2
Vol, 2. Medina Sandstone, (Brachiopoda)........... Pl. 4
Voie. Medina Sandstone, (Shells)... 200162005: 2 Wick 4. DIS.

Chaoten, Groupie Plants) . Woe sce sees s wale ate] aa
Maree. Clinton; Group, Cibants) oan ede. o saes'6 eer hd
Vol, 2. Clmton Group, (Plants)... ca<-- Bes SR Plows
Volk 2. Cinton ‘Group, (Plants)... cic. eee. . 0c sites, El, RO
Vol. 2. Clinton Group, (Tracks of Gasteropoda)...... Pl. 11

40 : [ AsseMBLY

Vol. 2. Clinton Group, (Tracks of Gasteropoda)..... 3 Ply 82
Vol. 2. (Clinton'Groupy 2 ott cle eet aA eV ileRR IS
Vol.'2. Clinton Groupies vee. SOA, (th ae - Pl. 16
Vol. 2. Clinton Group, (Brachiopoda) ..5'2)...... 3200P haa
Vol. 2. Clinton Group, (Brachiopoda)....... ask oe «Pa Bt
Vol. 2. Clinton Group, (Orthocerata).... ...-uscenens Pl, 29
Vol. 2. Clinton Group, (Gray Sandstone) (heenhatan Pl. 30
Vol. 2. Clinton Gronp, (Gray Sandstone) (miscell’ous) Pl. 31
Vol. 2. Niagara Group, (Crinoidea) ....... 076 bills fh foce Pl. 47
Vol. 2. Niagara Group, (Orthocerata)........+. chs ah sal
Vol. 2. Niagara Group, (Orthocerata)........ es tl pombe.
Vol: 2. Niagara Group, (Orthocerata).... ....eeee. « IPLv63
Vol. 2. Niagara Group, (Orthocerata).... w.0. os6 see Pl. 64
Vol.:2. Niagara Group, (Trilobites)........%. 2. ot eens Flog
Vol. 2. Corralline Limestone, (Gasteropoda)......... Pl. 76
Vol. 2. Onondaga Salt Group, (Brachiopoda) ........ Pl. 79
Vol. 2. Onondaga Salt Group, (Acephala)........66. Pl. 80
Vol. 2. Onondaga Salt Group, (Acephala)..... » in dayelsle seals Ue
Vol. 2. Onondaga Salt Group, (Acephala).......... cue bie
Vol. 2. Onondaga Salt Group, (Gasteropoda) ....... «\ Bl Ba
Vol. 2. Onondaga Salt Group, (Gasteropoda) ........ Pl. 84
Voroume IIT.
Delthyris Shaly Limestone, (Gasteropoda)..... PA;
Delthyris Shaly Limestone, (Gasteropoda)..... Rv
VotuME V.

“Geological Sections.
Section from Whitehall, N. Y. to the Green mountain range, &c.,

CONOVOUs sie ernie eee) oleae ele els oieie tae 6 1s eis a see te gto Pl. B.
Schoharie valley and the mountains on the west, colored,,. Pl. B.
The Catskill mountain range, colored,..........00 whee vel. @.

Professor Hall in his letter to the select committee of the Legisla-
ture of 1849, (See report of the committee page 68,) says, that the
geological sections were originally intended for the first volume ; but
in its completion it was found impossible to include them, and they
are therefore deferred to the last volume.

No. 124.] 4)

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.

There are three thousand printed impressions of each of the fol-
lowing plates:

Fruits.
ee. 2 pues. COOLED... neces ss Wades sede wble fh
Bea) 2,1, GO, , CGLOVER asin Gs aild's, 1/5) cllte ¥<(eie 3 4 Ble ile.
Be, 3 lo, ; colored eens cated es 0 5 6 Oe Bis 2s
Mears dO. COLOTEML, cae ssi soe eehe ete «oe area Even aes
Plums, 3... do,’, colored,.....5.. 0.0. Et ee and Memeo
PMeS.. &,',', GO, , Colored, sieie o6 St PE Pa. 4
eh Om Ie cueing kas wilkecsin Aiesalagn es ae 0 Be Blag O @.
eee, , 10, , SCOIOLE Ga sis says,0's o'es 0 aie se « ar nce Sle MED e eae
Pealtsy, 2, , 60, ss. coves svete, 0080 ay susteasy 5050s, SMEELY Bee Bie
Bee HO! PCOLSIE dS iio coe yejssoinei we Hie @ oe Fle. 8.
© (EATS PADI ab (0c AR IV Reg ena pa bey ban BO:
a) CLO I os 5 win pa, ¥ onaisl cpavesi'shusndy cei om soteis Pl.....6 d.
Bao 41) do colored. 53's sald sina s t adians ney Pl wie:
Beaman 2 dO) COLOT EC, ' mus dies erarstwyetocd = w.0y0 iy Ebel ioe
Be POM UG) Os dh ola\ala a! 6G)5 0a sidcdysieieta » afb seeniun Pl. 9d.
He atom yr) HO. 5). iylsl abil s, Wh a ecaletepes scqanats stais Ph. 9d.
Pears) 2 do. colored sss. 046 seiayty ocala eye! hace Pl. 10.
POPs 1) aa (6 nr ee ee ee eee Bl. Og.
Prec | Ot COlOred ys sie a's a's a's s epsyeie sieeve Pho ide
Bee Oat Eee ele bela Ee siege 4 6 eralia ae SU Pl. Jad,
Bar ee 0S: | CON vs COMME. We, 6 ie isa: al Ne adie vee Pil. 12.
He ee De 5 Ot fi ape gialelk eave. «aye ensiojobautmesedborayes, sn be Ge
Bears |. do colored) 2. 6.<.<'s 00s 8eai qe seas ais lb de
Bee AU a Ogio ara cteps dais, shoes, os olate jn ofa elude’ dete Pl..13 d.
Beas 2. \dovewenloredica 4. csc uaus os ot sia eto wet
BGs): CUO) Wain se raise Sos ae atieasecahe ve coele) ae PL iad.
ears il do sPeolared sates tjasie's, cies e'orete iat « Pi. .15.
reaper 2 AOA Umer laa \ a bee Ae ie te eae lelavars PL..16:
Reap, stems, 6 figs colored, :,« «/« ctaeadin a ieleiniale Ss ik 62c,
Peaches, 2 fie colored. ..'.csttees «'« OA Se es PRK
mupples, 4 figuresy COlOtcd [estas sels es ss else sess Ply 18:
Apples, 5 CO shal in\niecspmiacaeee® sche 5 tale A sl Oop

Apples, 5 do S eisoin els) sie 4 PA ree y Yee eb

42 | ASSEMBLY

Apples, 4 figures;‘colored, . 6.0.00 0 sists sees sb emer
Apples, 4 Of Di ahale ues ayaie Sls « cocees ete leee
Apples, 3 do sbisiarns fin Hocico’ PLOWS.
Apples, 2 figures,.....s000. tebe eese us 00 s Gaiman
Apples, 2 figures, colored,...... alow eale' e's os wee genie
Apples, 2 dion Aras e a a isle mrelaielel eae . Pl. St.
Apples, 1 do a vee vive beveled vedecte Phigd.
Apples, 2 do ee ud SSL. wattle ot P1.:35.
Apples, 2 AQ) + Sse tee'ed evita ate ooo te USS.
Apples, 1 do BEG eI ee. wete cles P1389.
Apples, 2 do waa e ee aes oe 8d we cte eee.
Apples, 2 do wee EMM eo slbld oo ots AED,
Apples, 1 do webenbeeaae: o dME os on eee
Apples, 2 GOs» 15 sateen SPEC » ofdld so A, Eien
Apples, 2 figures,...... op Teraiere tatarer esare eedbisecs Plicoe.

Apples, 2 *-dO «+ .secwwerswewesdeive afUl oo ae Gleam,
Apples,2 do .scsecesseevsvevseceeceseee Pl. 58.

Gooseberries, 5 figures, colored,. sss sseesecececs Phss9.
Gooseberries, 5 ~ do 6P2 Eee dls acts RIGO.
Raspberries, “} firure; colored, i¢isiec. iss eee. PLPC,
Raspberries, 1 do c'slevetelele occ ote oo ae) Een
Peaches; 1 figure,*colored, ++..223%% ete eects eee
Peaches, 1 do bitte e a a cae oo a) en Me
Peacites, "i firaure,)*.7sseuees Che uae es * Poi.
Apples, 2 figures; si ete cree eee. Uo e Eeenee
Arpples,:2 ** thor * * *ta7statete terete ototetetetate se fos vod . P14.

Apples, 2 do eeoooaooeoe@ wneeeeeeetevee eeeteoese @ Pl%5.
Currants, 4 *fiptures,” 0°. 1.4% 4% 5% teh ee ete es oie) See mis

Apples, 2 fivures,*....tteeseutee ss ee. oe t..e) Pe
Apples, "21 Aho 14 4 s.atetettemtete rte a hatetoje alist ane Pls 7%.
Wpples, 2: «to +: eeeoe des Pe aE i os ode Meee:
Apples, 2 iP aorw- sesh eweee es tks. ote ee 2 PUD7S.
Apples, 1 + dor: > ie.cstetate beatae aire Saye . Plsso.
Mepplesssb ++ do: + + spree ot otetetshatatete’ siete eb dlls «6 ate Pl. 81.

Cherries, 1 figure; colored; eae. e223 6293 Bue A

Insects.

Insects, 2 figures, colored,..... 200 9 Wale e sje » sistent Cie

‘No. 124.] 43

/l statement of the materials intended to be used in completing the
publication of the Geological Survey, which were received into the
State Geological Rooms since the tenth day of April, 1850, and up
to the date of this report; under the authority and direction of
Messrs. Morgan and Beck, the committee appointed by the Le-
gislature for that purpose.

DEPARTMENT OF PALZONTOLOGY.

There have been received three thousand printed impressions of
each of the following plates, viz :

VortumE I. (Supplement.)
Vol. 1. Sup. Trenton Limestone, (Brachiopoda,)..... Pl. 2.

VoutumeE II,

(Medina Sandstone,,...... eae daha’ c Ceocitte la) e
(Medina Sandstone.) ...-s.cis 25 00 ve\sie « Peres ago
(elimbonsrwmp,) & ise teres amesiniialeis. sues - 21.6.
(Clmton Group,) .,....- ales oe ccs teeter Tylon
Vol. Olmton Group, (Plants,) .....6.ccc sees eee colle or ds
Vo! @aemnton Group, ( Pracks,). 66 06 neDedandcceets Pl. 13.
Vol, 2: Chinton Group, (Tracks,). 64.2. sias0 aes coe Pi ara:
Vol. 2; Clinton Group, (Corals, io. waateniee Mae ad BS hs Plot.
Vol. 2. Clinton Group, (Graptolites,) ...... sihiwerwitormelwaet 17.
Nol 224; Chaton Group,:( Corals) iy) ahd are edi deem Pla AB:
Vol. 2. Clinton Group, (Brachiopoda,) ..... S dvlsiecoloeepakin ee.
Violsc'; Clinton, Group, (Acephala,): 2.3.0 saesicvise cele gh l, 27.
Vol. 2. Clinton Group, (Gasteropoda,......... dioyd ow epel led.
Vol. 2. Niagara Group, (Corals,)......... avwiesah ashe LEO,
Vol. 2. Clinton Group, (Crinoidea,)........ adtevereneah es Play,
Nee Niagara Groups Crinomea,)ic. seine se decid a nee (Pld.
Vol. 2. Niagara Group, (Crinoidea,)..... aharsioheyele stares. nln eos
Wolee. Niagara Group, (Crincitleas yy. ce ae. Sook eda.
Vol 2) "Magara Group; ( Criicidéd,\ge es eos se ves ee ce SPT. 5.
Vol. 2. Niagara Group, (Crinoidea,) ...... suse veeoes, Fi. 46.
Vol. 2. Niagara Group, (Crinoidea,)...... Sues ecume CEs eo,
Vol: 2. Niagara Group, (Crinoidea,)......ceceeeeeee Pl. 49 a.
Vol. 2. Niagara Group, (Brachiopoda,) .....,.00.... EL 52.
Vol. 2. Niagara Group, (Brachiopoda,)....ceweeeseee Pl. 63.

44 [ AssEMBLY

Vol. 2. Clinton Group, (Trilobites,) ....... were

Vol. 2. Niagara Group, (Trilobites,).. 20800... eae ind kee.

Vol. 2. Coralline Limestone, (Acephala,) ......00.0. « PL 78.

Vol. 2. Coralline, Limestone,......... UIEL sides . so Phe

Vol..2. Coralline Limestone;(Shells,).'). 27s. oe ee eee eet
Votume III.

Vol. 3. Pentamerus Limestone, (Orthocerata,) ........ PI.

Vol. 3. D. Shaly Limestone, (Acephala,) ......06 ee. ae Ss

Vol. 3. D. Shaly Limestone, (Acephala,) ......eese08 Pl.

Vol. 3. D. Shaly Limestone, (Gasteropoda,).....-.... Pl.

Vol. 3. D. Shaly Limestone, (Gasteropoda,)........+- PI.

Vol. 3. D. Shaly Limestone, (Gasteropoda,).......s.. Pl.

Vol. 3. D. Shaly Limestone, (Gasteropoda,)..... gi QUEL

Vol. 3, D. Shaly Limestone, ,{ Othocerata,)*).. 2. sees Pl.

VoitumeE Y.

GEOLOGICAL SECTIONS.

Section from Saranac, N. Y., to the Connecticut river, &c.

COLOGEC cuss claiens = steleise ee eS Ae ov pune te ee
Section from the Mohawk river, at the mouth of Scho-
harie creek, to Carbondale, Pa., colored,..... 1S po

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.

There are three thousand printed impressions of each of the fol-
lowing plates of fruits, which (with the exception of plate 3, a.) are
in the possession of Richard H. Pease, and under the control of, and
subject to the direction of, Messrs. Beck and Morgan. These en-
gravings are left in the possession of Mr. Pease, for the want of a
suitable place to stow them in the Geological Rooms.

FRuits.
Plums, 2 figures, colored,...:... Rs es = eb. sgh abe
Pleas, 12,00. ease ieaiet ce byeria eo oa eenoie Pl. 4a.
Reape, . 2. )do coloreds.. ig nsw ert's ¢ ona lsiheil eee Ree
nples, 2 dO 0 sis sais sets aN allan, 2's plelnietsininie Pl. 24.
Apples,..2. O™ sss ape aintess o.0,0re\siele eo soe Pl. 25,
Apples, 2 do © 9 © nieiclblip so ee a .00 ssiayeie.s ois BL a
AMBICS G2 4 KO ici) otal Meta ins ‘ola! epee . EL 2s
Apples, 2 dO.) cis clues aiesa-s.ecapare cep siayeiial cinta ta een

No. 124. | 45

Bes. | D HGUTESS UO. bee vane wale efile Plitoe.
Poles (5 WDE y Ds «eck Caer d Seidiel wad ehleis wed tlk 33
Apples, . 3 .°do , itisns vies tego

Ey OIA: Hie w etenie ayes shenusl ai ekais ahd tata als Plot.
Ry 6b 22 AO I shes g! sala siaierelaveiojate sisleien, eels Pl,'45.
Apples, 2 do : : Pl. 46.
es De Oy) gts MAA ec a sig ais bree cat i a
Apples, . 2... do sats ajlsiae Plr48,
Pptes 2 dO pa Wl uisiee ss MeWieet ane, Phe 49.
Apples, 2 do Lee eee Pl. 50.
PMS eg LO atid «6 oh ash set auetneies, "Be. Pl 51}
eS GO nisin bss ba a) chelaceicaie eliag\ os imatiors
2 eR Cc ar aveperet deisel cisuske te Ge Bin doe
Apples, 2- do eebuorsieis is Pl. 56.
moples, 2. do. oe. e Pte vere ae Setee Lhe Ok,
OE a (0 ee ee oN teats Pli63,
Meals vy: Qe ero r, sais wie eid « As sata dw bis, esac ai Ply 64.
Peaches, 2 do. ; ae ois Pl. 65.
Peaches, 2 » do Pl. 68.
Peaches, 2 do Me esisiellie et bay Oo
ONC G ME, Si CO.” cot.ervisiale sie asics eelee « pte May ey
rae IOSR LOM st orcrs cloideavsiai's alain leis eis 3,006 Ply 72
Bea se i AO ns coundanta Tabanan iauaral o-be Seaieciacpirs Bleios

Insects.

Insects, 27 firures, Wi. cee ces Brendale crete ete 6 brs Pie.
TBSBCES, BO Oly tibses ml shmiain: susie PET Ere eee Plc 3.
Tisects, .ia-o:ds ib eyeetisua eke Liye. «'s a tiosey ete Seuins ocags ait bean ae
GS: cars « teat Joi naid ne biel wnecdiey as o.6) akeienecicays mine sled ty Sato
HGESE CUS, ules a: «904 sin ee'cies 4s oda ws slanteraaht ag eal mee

46 [AsseMBLy,

A statement exhibiting all the materials belonging to the State, which
are to be used in completing the publication of the Natural History,
arranged under the respective volumes for which they are intended.

DEPARTMENT oF PaLMoNTOLOGY.
VoLUME Il.
The letter press of this volume is completed, with the exception of
the preface, index and reference to plates, which in the opinion of

Prof. Hall cannot be done properly until the plates are nearly com-
pleted.

The number of plates described in volume two, is one hundred and
one. Of these, there are in the Geological Rooms three thousand
printed impressions each, of fifty-eight plates.

According to Prof. Hall’s statement, there are seven plates finished,
(printed impressions of which have not yet been received in the
Geological Rooms,) twenty-one plates in progress and nearly com-
pleted, and fifteen plates ready to be given to the engravers.

There have also been wood engravings of forty-two figures made
for this volume.

VoLUME III.

There are in the Geological Rooms three thousand printed impres-
sions each, of ten plates of the third volume.

Prof. Hall remarks, in his statement, that three plates containing
twenty-two figures, were finished by George Endicott, in the year
1844. Printed impressions of these plates have not been received at
the Geological Rooms.

It also appears from Prof. Hall’s statement that drawings of .989
figures have been made for Vol. 3.

There have been 339 figures, engraved on wood, made and intend-
ed for this volume.
VOLUME IV.

For this volume there have been finished one steel and one litho-
graphic plate. There have also been engraved 207 figures on wood.

The number of drawings finished is.326, exclusive of 207 done for
wood: engraving.

VOLUME V.

There have been eight lithographic plates finished for this volume;
also, one hundred and eight figures engraved on wood. No printed
proofs of these plates and engravings have been received at the Geo-
logical Rooms.

The number of drawings finished for this volume is twenty-eight,
and for figures engraved on wood, one hundred and eight.

There are in the Geological Rooms three thousand printed impres-
sions each, of five geological sections. These printed impressions
are all colored, and are intended for this volume.

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE,

Professor Emmons originally contemplated completing the un-
finished portions of the publication in this department, (embracing a
description of the fruits, and the insects injurious to vegetation,) in
one volume. But as the letter press describing the fruits amounts to
upwards of 350 pages, and the number of plates to at least one hun-
dred, and as there will be at least fifty plates illustrating the insects,
it has been suggested whether it would not be advisable to publish
the description of the fruits and the insects in separate volumes. In
accordance with this suggestion I present these subjects separately
for your consideration.

Vouvume III.
Fruits.
The letter press for this volume is completed.
There are in the Geological Rooms, and in the possession of R. H.

Pease, (subject to the direction of the committee,) three thousand
printed impressions each, of ninety-nine plates of fruits.

Plate No. 44 is not engraved. To complete the volume, it will be
necessary to have this plate engraved and printed.

Of the plates in the Geological Rooms three thousand copies each,
of forty-one plates, have been colored.

48 [ AssEMBLY.

It is a matter worthy of consideration, whether the volume would
not be more useful and illustrative if all the plates were colored.

Voitume IV.

Insects.

There are in the Geological Rooms, three thousand printed impres-
sions each, of six plates of insects. The full edition of three thou-
sand copies of plate No. 1 is colored.

There are also twelve additional plates of insects engraved, and
in the possession of the engraver; but no printed proofs have been
received.

To complete this volume, it will require the engraving of thirty-
two plates, the printed impressions of forty-four plates, and the let-
ter press for the volume. |

From the preceding statements it will be seen that quite an amount
of labor has been performed and expenditure incurred on each of the
several volumes necessary to complete the publication in the depart-
ments of Paleontology and Agriculture. A reference to the report
of the select committee of the Legislature of 1849 (Assembly docu-
ment No. 9), on the publication of the Natural History, will furnish
data for estimates of the time that will be required, and the amount
of expenditure necessary, to complete the unfinished portions of the
publication of the Natural History.

The following materials, the property of the State, have been re-
ceived in the Geological Rooms since the tenth day of April, 1850,
and up to the date of this report :

17 steel plates, illustrating Paleontology.
5 steel plates. Insects.
24 steel plates. Fruits.
187 original colored drawings of Fruits.
23 original colored drawings of Vegetables.
12 original colored drawings of Grains.
6 original colored drawings of Insects.
575 original drawings of Fossils.
125 wood engravings of Fruits.

No. 124.] 49

At the request of Prof. Hall, I transmit with this report a written
| statement, prepared by him, of the condition of the unfinished portion
of the publication of the Natural History, relating to the department
of Paleontology.

All which is respectfully submitted,

JOHN GEBHARD, Jun.,
Curator State Cabinet of Natural History.

ALBANY, January 27, 1851.
Hon. CuristopHer Morean, Secretary of State, and
Dr. T. Romeyn Beck, Secretary of the Regents of the University:
_ Gentlemen,—In accordance with your direction, I herewith trans-
mit, through Mr. Gebhard, a statement of the condition of the second
volume on Paleontology, together with an account of the materials
on hand for use in future volumes.

The letter. press of the second volume is completed,* containing
descriptions of the fossils from the Medina sandstone, Clinton group,
Niagara group, and Onondaga salt group. The number of species
described in this volume, is three hundred and forty-one, making the
whole number of species described in the two volumes seven hundred
and twenty-two.

The engraving for this volume is still far from being completed.
The following statement will show the actual condition of the plates
at this date :

Plates in progress and nearly completed for Vol. II.

No. of Plate. Number of figures.
Wier alate vevaligs ans: 6, es oi'e"s ajarer es 0.-4 s¢shiatake syle lalave jovereie 29
20, ese@ese@eoeoeeet@eeeeeasweeeetmeoeeoeeeeeoeeteane dd 8e0@ 42

34 | Eee Cer PTR re en ee ate 13

mea this cas aushias's eas aua.e js ph 4 cial « ahh am areal e 10

SMO a oc & s-<'oxs Slay pivisie. 06 © soa dita hn sie oases: wale q

*{ have not yet printed the preface, index and reference to plates, for the reason
that I want to see the plates nearly completed, and to make my references and
errata after a careful comparison; and since many months must elapse before these
are completed, I do not wish to place it beyond my power to add notes or addenda
upon important matters which may occur within that time.

| Assembly, No. 124.] 4

No. of Plate.

50

[ ASSEMBLY

Number of figures.

20

36 A, © ¢ o's 6 oS 6 6 a0ls' we ose 6 eeeeee0e Ca) 15.
OP ae et rh oe e eooe @e@e@eeoe08e0e 6 eneee 21

eecee@eeedeeee® oe

eeoeeoegeeee ds @

oeeeeoe eo @

Gnd

es@ooeeseeree @©8@ 6 @

eoe@eeooe e080 2 @

eeeeeeoeodoe#eeseeset 0 8

eoeoseo0e@ eedG@s2e090

eoeoeceseeetdeeede

24

sioicuiete os ia, 5.9 (ohm odie nue ei oa
Bindilate's| wie eleieteyetamerets o iiahage/ SOD
A NE ees malic min aeye tat ene
» eya.a'e @ 2.0m a) sialeheie eral tienen
es eee sa screens os eiseis Gaim’ ie
cls ss ee.0 cleo ale bine elatel aueae aan

28,
17
15.
25
14
49

578

——er
ss

oeocee 88 8 e@ 8 8

Plates ready to be given to the engravers, and necessary for complet-

ing Vol. II.

No. of Plate.
23, .

) @ eee 60660886889 @

oeeoeseeeeaeeseeeeeetseees

Number of figures...

T4
18

eoeeceecee

BT id pallu Ludeu welt. wous Jin Jagelels Bonen
ADE cieg aa Galea ee ee
AD deine goppucnlen ee athe vor ctekses save ey aaae ee
AOR ue hen Cree ts we eae ee ee
PCL ae Whe tine
BO By creche teteetetitetetalcie'e v's's's vlet'a ls Stalatatalate 31
40 Fee nasdancsceveeetess eevee Oe
4D Gyrvcccestettentve tte
BB ite stele latstare Suite tratele’s oben ulet re Uhs” Me
WE, wets Natale “eetats Matelate'e sla tatetet Att * TRE ee
TIS. os adi oi pleai aulaaslagien Mati \i.ccie Glue Meee

AddidS supp. plates. bas sca s

No. 124.] 51

For this number of plates and figures, both engraving and litho-
graphing, printing and paper are to be paid.

In addition to these there will be the paper and printing of plates
22, 23, 41, 49, 50, and perhaps others, which are in the hands of Mr.
Gavit, and for which the engraving has been paid.

The whole number of plates of Vol. IT., will be 101, of which 65
have been engraved. And of this number, 48 have been printed and
delivered at the Geological Rooms, leaving the number shown on the
preceding page yet to be finished.

The following statement shows the number of drawings made and
plates engraved for the future volumes, arranged under each volume,
as it will be found necessary to arrange them, in completing the work
according to the present plan, or in the same degree of excellence as
those parts already done. It is possible that I may find it necessary
to revise in some manner this arrangement, but it cannot materially
affect the present statement.

Work completed and in progress for Vol III.

PWERIpeD OL GraWINGs MAN, Foc. etc e tees aes NP 969 hotres
Plates lithographed by R. H. Pease, 10 plates,....... Srey Se
- Re G. Endicott in 1844, 3 plates,.. 22 «
Work completed for Vols. IV. & V.
Niutober Or Ura WIhOs Made, .'.... c's Vaus «soe sacle). .. 304 figures.
Plates in lithography, by G. Endicott, 1844, 9 plates) 9 “
¢¢ in steel by Gavit & Duthie, 1 plate,......... dip 2h es

These are exclusive of figures on wood to be used in the text of the
5th volume.

You will perceive that there is still a large amount of work to be
done for the 2d volume, and which, in the ratio it has heretofore pro-
gressed, will require at least two years to be finished.

That the progress of the engraving has not been delayed for want
of work being placed in the hands of the engravers, I believe you
will be satisfied from the following statement which I made to Gov.
Fish on the 1st of March 1849, and which is corroborated by the
statements of the engravers themselves both at that time and subse-
quently.

52 | ASSEMBLY

In this statement I reported that plates No. 1, 3, 6, 9, 72, 73 and
77, were done in lithography by Geo. Endicott in 1844. Plates 2, 4,
4a, 5a, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 15, 16, 23, 24*, 27, 29, 30, 31, 61, 62, 63,
64, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, had been done in lithography by R. H.
Pease, with the exception of 5a, '79, and 82 which were in hand but
not completed.

For the steel engraving, I had put into Mr. Pease’s hands, plates
53, 54 and 58, and two other plates with about forty figures were re-
served for him.

Messrs. Gavit & Duthie had in hand the plates numbered 5, 13, 14,
al7, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26+, 28, 32, 33, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46,
47,48, 49, 49a, 50, 51, 52, 55, 56, 57, 65, a66, 67, 67a, 68, 69, and
70, making 37 plates. The entire number of plates finished and in
hand for the 2d volume at that time was seventy-six.

The foregoing list embraces all the plates of Crinoidea and Brach-
iopoda, all the Cephalopoda, all the Trilobites, and all the Acephala
and Gasteropoda, excepting one or two plates, leaving at that time
nothing in my hands except the corals and about five or six other
plates; and my object was to give these out last, and all together,
since it was in this class that I could expect to add new species.

On comparing the preceding list with that of plates now unfinished,
you will find plates 54, 58, 19, 20, 23, 55, 56, 57, 65, 67 and 68,
among the number that were then in hand, nearly all of which had
actually been given out during the year 1848.

It is true the number of plates has been somewhat increased since
my statement in 1849 , but these plates have been added between the
numbers 33 and 40, and are among the corals. The plan of my vol-
ume was entirely laid out in 1848, and the concluding plate litho-
graphed previous to March 1849. I had determined about forty
species of corals, leaving many of the obscure and difficult ones.
Finding, however, in the autumn of 1849, when the printing of the
Ast volume had reached as far as the corals, that it would be finished
long before the engraving could be completed, I commenced a revis-
ion of the corals, which occupied me a considerable time. By this
course the work is much more complete ; the number of species of
this family is now doubled, and I believe much desirable information

* 23 and 24 should have been 25 and 26. } 25 and 26, should have been 23 and 24.

No. 124.] 53

is given in reference to the smaller paleozoic corals, among which I
have established several new genera; and in all 15 new genera in
this family of fossils from the Clinton and Niagara groups.

This delay in the printing has caused no delay in the publication of
the volume, as you have already seen ; and I felt myfelf justified in
attempting to render the work more complete and more creditable to
the State under whose patronage it is published.

I have the honor to be, gentlemen,
Your very obedient servant,

JAMES HALL.

( C.)

T. R. Brcx, M. D.

The following is a list of the apparatus belonging to the State in
the laboratory of the New-York State Agricultural Society, August,
1850 :

hayepecine gravity bottle, ......ees ceca ccccticssccse “$5 00
WeeveNINGSS, 15) sie:6 Wid siele's vie, e's aioe isu’ Sees eRe cc ie eiacet-¢ OOOO
3. 8 combustion tubes for organic analysis,.........00. 4 00
4. An exhausting and condensing syringe for organic

ICO SES ee ayes eval. seat oe (bo ciel's Sisies alot ocd sons oie -, leo x06
DO. Wue POtass APRAT AUS, sche sialic s o6 sitlee ce sic s nee een 1 25
6. One straight bulb tube,.. mlsiclietele's a s/claaivautele org 38
7. Two straight chloride of ‘atts mile: Selene sts 38
®.'One tube:funnel,. ...i0ess00 sie) 9) die, (6) Meiale)/alo'e 0) 4 aaj 25
Seer ast) 1GGMs MACTCUTY. Dathh ..isieeia as dle cislin's #4, 45s105,8 6070 6 50
ie oneclamy mercury bath, 1.0. coce.ces ssce ences ces 1 00
11. Thermometer in tubular glass case,......0ecccesece 3 00
WZ. "Three japanned thermometers,:. ...seenseecsescece 3 00

13. Copper water bath, small with rings, .....0 e+e cece 2 50
144) Lerge-copper water bathy iss. s6ss'sieeecie e's 06 stele dee 8 00
Dee GUI TUDES, <0 /x'oj0'6, aise os <i cia’. lieinie o.e:eieieiie aeie'e 75
PG AGIOMOLEL,. i. 0 5's.0) winls Win la ole 010106 p WES G wie 6 vicreane wars 4 00
De ee AGEL ON 5. ie; | olslnidle s: dheluie:s v aveleiaiveie eevee wees . 120000
18. Graduated glass tube, capacity 1 inch,..........00 1 00
1%: “ . yt UCBES,, «5 /.d'0 pe sie 1 25

20. - sy TO EHS: |. ic 5:5) 055018 2 00
21. Chouffer for organic analysis, ...... shale eialaiuheter ens eres 1 50:

22,
23.
24.
25.
26,
24.

28.

20,

31.

32.

54 | ASSEMBLY

One pair of small iron tongs for crucibles,....+..e6 715
Wiashy bottles sb ididcs ise oleseis ase jebeiote eels eqs bapa dread 50
Three glass retorts, ...... opin bs 910. santbt< aleve Sepa 1 63
Platimaqwitiei.\c eves cee eyele eis are eivetas oo le tials 50
Phree Stoves, ocd ees ESS eS) Te
Pore aqurten,! 12), We ea, SN tw elwiele aw ances 2 50
Beaker glasses—large set.
Wwe 8 inches by 5, |
6 74 66 4i,
“ ¢ bas Ving, biliitdee aye 69 sist de 6 en Seine 1 50
igs Bee wan! 4, }
Small set.
( Three beakers 23 inches by 2,
One Re 3 ry 2, melee ccauanena te 87
One re 2 Bi 13,
Porcelain capsules.
One capsule 2 unchesi by’ Qh). eee Oi ee ole 43%
“ 2 i Dass Seles le ee eee sine 434
« TB. dR RU ee 371
66 13 66 F ytetvata te 'etalet oat 25
“ 1 ss Paeiiake Soh cle's ot ale ott arate 18
Porcelutm spoons. 22s aol, oS Uo ee 25
Evaporating dishes—German porcelain.
One evaporating dish, 74 inch. diam. 23 inch. deep,.. 63
%; ‘ 64 6 ¢f ie 37%
Two ee 4, 3 tA a <i 413
One . 3% y tS eis 683
%; Ge 31 66 1 ys 163
14 74 23 (14 13 66 cid 144
¢¢ 66 24 6C 1 CC 3 123
Evcporating Cishes—Berlin porcelain, glazed inside and out.
Three evap. dishes, 74 inch. diam. 2 inch, deep,... 3. 75.
One ¥ 6 _ 2 " ain 1 00
“é ry tte 42 es 13 3 morn 75
66 iT 4. 6e i} 6 " 37h
6 66 32 te ah 1} 6 wn 31
6 6 32 6 12 6 jae 25
« v6 2 66 12 ye oa 183
6 66 | 66 1 G6 09

3 @e0

No. 124.] 55

Se eree lam WMOTtAale wes e's st cbc bese aces see aves 50
34. Large glass funnel,..... ier biis me cis einp ereieiat o aust Nua e > 50
35. One doz. glass funnels, from 3 to 5 inches diameter,. 3 00
36. Thirty-two glass bottles of different sizes, with ground

SLOPPCTS.» «.0)0« sists ov eipiegels wibin # betes dia latals 8 00
37. Four doz. half-pint octagon bottles,.......seeseee 3 00
o6. Hessian crucibles,. . 5.0 .s00cc08 v00v sees seve cces 1 00
oe MMP SASS AASKS). Se a sce sews cake osue sees 600 vis)
ate Con atnc. acid’ Apparatus, 4 < .es voce «Mae cena cose 75

41. One iron wire seive, 400 meshes to the square inch,
diameter of the sieve 11 inches, ........eeecess
42. One brass wire seive, 1296 meshes to the square inch,
diameter, 9 inches, .. +» & = on atlas wets nee sates es le

J. H. SALISBURY.
September 9, 1850.

Since the above list was made out the following has been removed
by E. Emmons, M. D.:
One stove, (moved away the last of October.)
One japanned thermometer, (taken Nov. 25.)
J. H. SALISBURY.
November 26, 1850.

(D.)
LETTERS OF DR. EMMONS,

To the Hon. CaristopHer Morean, Secretary of State, and
T. Romeyn Beck, Secretary to the Board of Regents :

Sirs—In compliance with your request I submit the following
statement respecting the condition and progress of that part of the
Natural History of New-York, which is under my charge :

1. Of the 50 plates of insects which were assigned to the depart-
ment of agriculture, 19 have been engraved ; one is in the hands. of.
the engraver, and one nearly completed in the hands of the draughts-
man. ‘These plates average 24 figures, the whole number amount ‘to:
453. The 30 plates which remain will have 750 figures, averaging,
25 per plate.

56 [ SSSEMBLY

2. The nineteen plates have cost, for drawings,...... $679 50

LOT CNETAVING) 15:4 's.siciew eta omic wi nets Teer 1,359 00
3. The cost for drawing the 750 figs. will be,....... 1,125 00
TOL, CNETAVING,.. . «eo ain\uilesiiers ae su ties «oe sk.s way See

4, One plate of insects has been paid for, and three plates will not
require coloring. To color 46 plates will cost,...... $6,900 00

5. The letter press and engravings of fruits is already finished ; of
these plates 43 have been colored and paid for, leaving 50 to be co-
Fored, at’a cost of. sis. oa: wishinja loti eine ae We spertiaa Game $7,000 00

6. The 3d volume of agriculture, so far as relates to agriculture
proper, is printed, «xcept a chapter relating to experiments which I
have made this winter on the effect of food on the milk of the cow,
embracing about forty analyses of food, milk and excrement.

7. The part of the work on insects affecting the interests of farm-
ers, was put into the hands of the printer last December. One form
only is printed, as the work was thrown aside in consequence of the
press of business in the office. I designed to have completed it in
150 pages, early this spring. It is very desirable that the plates
should be colored. The engraving has progressed with all desirable
speed, and the work is executed in a creditable manner.

Respectfully yours,
EBENEZER EMMONS.

Albany, Feb. 22, 1851.

Gentlemen,—I have omitted, in stating the cost of the survey, the
item which would be placed under the head of salary. I may, how-
ever, state that I was engaged six months in analyses for my 2d vol.,
which should have been allowed me, as the delay of its publication arose
from causes beyond myccntrol. The press-work was delayed for want
of paper, and from press of business. In 1850 I wasabsentand do not
count four months of it; but eight months of that year I have been stead-
ily engaged, but I say six months, ending the Ist of January, 1851. In
November I began a series of experiments on the food of cattle, its
influence on milk, the comparative value of manure arising from dif- |
ferent kinds of food, &c., and have made about forty analyses of food, |
milk and excrements, which are, in my opinion, valuable; and to
prepare for them it has cost me, in putting up a proper stable and

No. 124. | 57

employing a man for weighing food, milk and excrements, a hundred
dollars at least, which, however, I do not mention as items for which I
shall ask pay, nothing beyond the stated salary, excepting a small bill
of chemicals.

The printing of the part relating to insects, I would have gone on
with this winter, but only one form has been printed since December,
the foreman having taken off my printer from my work. I design to
get this part through the press early in the summer, though as the
work stands, should the plates be colored, it may as well be delayed,
or pass more slowly through the press. At any rate, the whole of
the printing of my last volume will be finished before the plates can
be colored.

On the matter of pay, allow me to say that I ask merely that such
a statement of facts shall be made as appears to yourselves right. I
will finish my part ef the work as speedily as possible, pay or no pay.

Yours truly,
E. EMMONS.

Columbus, Ohio, December, 12, 1850.
CuristopHER Morean, T. R. Beck, ~
Commissioners on claims on the Geological Survey, NV. Y.
Gentlemen—I should long since have written you but for the pro-
tracted sickness of my wife, and constant attendance on her. On
coming here a few days ago, I forgot to bring my papers relating to
the Geological Survey of New-York. [If it be not too late, you will
oblige me by suspending your judgment, if it would be adverse to
my claim, until I can refer to my papers.

For the following reasons I think my claim ought to be allowed,
VIZ :

Ist. It is, I believe, in accordance with the spirit, and if my recol-
lection serves me, with the letter of the law.

2d. It is in accordance i. the precedent in the case of Dr. J. E,
Dekay.

3d. It is,in a degree, in accordance with the cases of Dr. Emmons
and Mr. Hall.

58 : [ AssEMBL¥

Ath. I never heard of the six month’s rule for making out the
reports and never assented to it.

5th. I worked hard the full time claimed, and have received pay
for six months under protest that that acceptance of six months pay
should not vitiate my claim.

In regard to interest on the amount claimed in my application to.
the Commissioners, I will not urge it, still I think I ought to be en-
titled to it. '

Gentlemen—I performed all the labor, hard mental labor, for the
time claimed, and had no source of income for the support of my
family that was not deducted by my own free will, unsolicited’ by any
one. The work is before you, (one of the volumes of Natural His-
tory of New-York,) and by examining its contents, you can see that
much time and mental Jabor were bestowed on it, for which, ina
pecuniary point of view, I have been inadequately remunerated.

I have the honor to be,
Your obedient servant,

W. W. MATHER.

Gey

Jackson C’. H., Ohio, May 14, 1850.
Gentlemen—lI have this day received the Albany Evening Journal:
of April 27th, in which isa published notice by you, under authority
of “an act to provide for the completion of the Geological Survey.
of the State, passed April 10th, 1850,” requiring claimants to pre-
sent their claims for services and expences attending the publication
of the Natural History of the State.

-My. claim of $3,689 4% was presented and, in part, paid on the
10th of October, 1843, at the treasury ; and the $900 received thereon

was paid under my protest that the payment should not destroy nor
vitiate my claim on the State.

That account with Gov. Bouck’s remarks thereon, and my protest,
were filed in the Treasurer’s office on the 10th of October, 1843; and,

No. 124.] 59

numbered 144, and the papers were to go to the Comptroller's office
the next year, where they may now undoubtedly be found.

I now, under authority of the law of April 10th, 1850, present this
claim (which is my just due) for adjudication, and hope you will
eause the unpaid balance, and the interest thereon, to be paid. As
to the authority under which I claim, vide:

State Laws of May, 1842, April 9th, chap. 149, p. 183-4, sec .1.
“6 Cp AB43,. SS Sth 8... BE. pp G2, seoy 2
6 66 1843... % + 18th, 6, 21%. p! 297, see. 6.

As to the fact of my services, vide Natural History of New-York,
Geology by W. W. Mather, and my accounts in the Comptroller’s
office; and as to my identity, my hand writing and signature will
witness, and Dr. T. R. Beck knows me.

Dr. Dekay, Dr. Emmons, Prof. Hall, and perhaps Prof. Torry,
received their pay long after the presentation of my account for
services rendered similar to mine. My report is a large volume,
contains a great mass of facts useful to the community and to science,
and I was about 28 months almost unremittingly engaged in arrang-
ing, preparing the materials, composing and superintending the pub-
lication of the report.

It will be seen that I was paid at the rate of 2,600 per annum to
include the payment preceding the last payment, as per items in the
accounts; and the law of April 18th, 1843, authorized the same
allowance for those geologists that had been or might be employed.
I was exclusively engaged during all the year 1842, and much of
the time in 1843, up to October 10th, as specified in the account, and
when a portion of my daily labor was otherwise emploved in college
duties, deduction of all pay for such services is made on the account.

I trust that payment may no longer be delayed, and that interest
may be allowed. The accounts of others for similar services under
the laws above cited have been allowed and paid years ago. My
claim is just and unpaid, and the objection urged by Gov. Bouck,
that by an understanding between Professors Emmons and Iall on.
one part, and Gov. Seward on the other, that six months pay should
be received by them in full compensation for preparing their reports
and superintending their publication, does not apply to me, as stated

60 | [ ASSEMBLY

in remarks in answer to Gov. Bouck supplementary to my account
filed on the 10th of October, 1843, numbered 144, and now in the
Comptroller’s office before referred to.

Now that funds have been appropriated for the liquidation of such
claims, I trust that this claim may be allowed and paid.
I have the honor to be,
Your obedient servant,
W. W. MATHER.
To CurisropHer Morean, Secretary of State,
T. Romeyn Beck, Secretary of Regents of the University.

(F.)
To the Honorable CuristopHer Morean and T. Romeyn Becx :

Gentlemen—The undersigned begs leave to submit to you his claim
against the State of New-York for payment for services rendered to
the said State in the prosecution of the work of compiling the Geolo-
gical survey, &c., of the State, as authorized by the Legislature.

The undersigned commenced work upon the said work on the Ist
of March, 1836, and concluded his labors on the first of January,
1849 ; and was actually engaged in the prosecution of the work un-
der the employ of the State as assistant to Dr. Emmons, who had
charge of the work, six hundred and twenty days, actually laboring
on an average, fourteen hours per day during that time. The under-
signed is of opinion that two thousand dollars is no more than a fair
compensation to him for the services that he has rendered to the
State in the compilation, &c., of the said work ; and therefore pre-
sents this, his claim, to you, for that amount. (As to price, see let-
ter of Professor Horsford, annexed.)

In the above estimate and claim, the undersigned makes no claim.
for any portion of the time accredited to him by Dr. Emmons from
March Ist, 1846, to January Ist, 1847, which time is mentioned by
Dr. Emmons in vol. 1, page 7, of survey, as being 300 days ser-
vice, as he did not consider himself in the employ of the State during
that period, and is willing tolet the services thus referred to go to the

credit ofthe doctor for the amount he has received from him, $275, un-

No. 124.] 61

less the doctor sees fit to make him a further compensation from his
own pocket ; as during that time he did not consider himself employed
by the State, although he was actually in the State’s service. But dur-
ing the 620 days service for which he makes this claim, he consider-
ed himself actually in the employ of the State, and expected to have
been paid for his labor long since by the State. The reason why the
undersigned has not made this claim against the State on an earlier
day, is because Dr. Emmons represented to him that his claim for
services, together with others, if made when he proposed to make it,
would tend to embarrass the further prosecution and completion of
the work, and he therefore preferred to ask the Legislature for as lit-
tle money as possible, until the work should be completed.

The undersigned thinks it is proper to state here (inasmuch as Dr.
Emmons has thought proper to represent that he was under his in-
structions while employed even at first by him upon this work) that
when he first commenced upon the work he had been through a regular
and thorough course of experimental chemistry ; but finding it incon-
venient to make the progress he desired to make in the department of
the work upon which he was engaged, and to prepare himself the bet-
ter to prosecute the same, he went througha regular course of prac-
tical analytic chemistry, under the instructions of a competent teacher,
(but not under Dr. Emmons’ instruction.) This course was taken very
soon after the undersigned commenced upon the work, and at his own
cost and expense, and during the 300 days that Dr. Emmons says he
worked for the State, without incurring any expense to the State.
And the undersigned further states that during all the time that he
was employed upon the said work, he acted wholly upon his own
knowledge of the science pertaining to the branch of the work he had
in charge and was prosecuting ; and it is illiberal and oppressive for
Dr. Emmons to make any pretensions or representations to the con-
trary. ,

During the 620 days that the undersigned labored for the State
and for which he makes this claim, he performed among others the
following important items of labor : (See vol 2nd, Geological Survey
Analysis marked with Dr. Salisbury’s initials.)

Bie MAUMUEG Gh ANAM SES Teas, vin Gta taitcd aie win grmibiiinie’ ©, cule sieve ened
Percentages of water, dry matter and ash,....e.seesecevees 274

62 | ASSEMBLY

Besides the above will be found in the apendix to said 2nd vol., a
series of observations continued for about two years on the tempera-
ture of the soil at different depths, the temperature of the air, trees
and plants. The force and course of the wind, and the degree of
cloudiness. These observations were made as often as three or four
times in each day, and with great particularity and exactness. The
undersigned also, at his own expense, employed C. B. Salisbury,
Esq., to carry on a similar series of observations for a period of
eight months, in the county of Cortland, in this State. Both these
sets of observations will be found in the appendix to said second
volume, making 44 pages and 14 plates of matter in said work.

In conciusion the undersigned begs leave to state that he has not
at any time received, directly or indirectly, any compensation from
this State, or any individual, for the services rendered as aforesaid ;
except the $275 which he received from Dr. Emmons as above set

forth.
J. H. SALISBURY

Dated Albuny, November 9, 1850.

“ Cambridge, Feb. 16, 1849.

“ My dear Sir—I have not particularly examined the volume con-
taining Mr. Salisbury’s analysis and labors, and am therefore unable
to form an estimate of their scientific and economic value. The
circumstance that they fill so large a space in the report of the agri-
cultural survey of New-York, is evidence of the esteem in which they
nave been held by the head of that department.

Judging alone from the number of days and hours that have been
devoted to this labor by him, I should think a remuneration of
$2,000, the least sum that could be considered an adequate return.”

“Tam very truly yours,”

(Signed,) , “E. N. HORSFORD.”

(G.)
New-York, 20th Dec., 1850.
Dr. T. R. Becx,
Dear sir—At the suggestion of Mr. Cornell, I herewith enclose
a statement of the unsettled accounts existing between the estate of

No. 124.] 63

my late brother and the State. The statement has been made up
with the utmost care and is I believe correct.

As during the past summer a considerable part of the deficiency
has been made up by printing such work as Prof. Hall could make
ready, it is desirable that you should (if you have the power, as I
suppose you have) authorize us to go on and make up the deficiency
as fast as the materials are furnished us.

I am obliged to leave this city about the middle of next week to
be absent some months, and should be pleased to hear from you on

the receipt of this. :
Yours very respectfully, |
WM. ENDICOTT.

In the bills of Geo. Endicott against the State for li-

thographing, for the Natural History of New-York, the

drawing on stone of 928 fossils for Hall’s Paleontology

is charged, while it appears that only 735 fossils have been

drawn which are put upon 70 quarto and 9 double quarto

plates (equal to 88 single quarto plates) thus showing a

deficiency in the work actually done, of 193 fossils a $5.. $965 00
The printing of 3,050 each of 62 quarto and 5 double,

equal to 72 double quarto plates only has been done

while the bills above referred to show that the printing of

3,050 each of 100 quirto plates has been charged, making

a deficiency in the printing of Hall’s Paleontology of 3,050

each of 28 ran ae ; say 84,500 impressions a $10,

Pid ence shimadh pilseeumenes oogiacd Ged airs 854 00
In the store named bills the lithography of 46 quarto

plates of various subjects for Emmons’ Agriculture is

charged and these plates have all been drawn except 4

plates of “corn,” containing 4 figures each, charged at

$80, while one plate of apples containing 5 figures has

not been charged nor paid for, thus reducing this deficien-

SRM DOU OOS ALO) fiavais, a ieiaie (o'e:'eup ‘sine 9's yal wiarece) 2 o15, ehyopede) i 55 00
The printing of 3,050 each, of 44 plates for Emmons’

Agriculture, has been charged, while it appears that only 40

have been printed,making an apparent deficiency in the print-

ing of 3,050 each, of 4 quarto plates; but inthe bill of Decem-

ber 26th, 1844, the printing of the usual edition of only

7 plates of tints, for landscape drawings in vo]. 1 Emmons’

Agriculture, is charged, while the plates show clearly that

10 such were done, thus reducing the above named de-

ficiency of 3,050 each of 4 quarto Plates, to 3,050 of 1

quarto plate, at kW Per UOUSAMMS Gs yc cise «es ss slels\s 30 50

$1,904 50

eee 7 SES

64 ri [ ASSEMBLY

New. York, Dec. 20th, 1850.
T. Romeyn Beck, M. D. ‘

Dear Sir—I am authorised by Mrs. Sarah L. Endicott, executrix
of the estate of Geo. Endicott, deceased, to make the above state-
ment to the persons to whom the legislative enactment of last winter
consigned the control of the publication of the Natural History of
_ New-York, and to say that she considers the above named sum of
$1,904.50, the only just claim which the State -can bring against her ;
and, as such, she is wiling and anxious to liquidate it by doing the
work which, on settling the accounts of her late husband, it appears
has been charged and paid for in advance. Although the foregoing
statement differs in some measure from the deficiency made out by
the select committee of the Legislature in their report, made Jan. 2d,
1850, it will, on a careful examination of the bills and the proofs of
the plates, be found strictly correct so far as relates to the drawing
and printing of Hall’s Paleontology and Emmons’ Agriculture. But
beyond this amount she denies all further: indebtedness to the State,
as set forth in the report of the said committee.

With regard to paper, for which a claim of $804.30 is reported,
it does not appear that any was charged for in the bills, except so
much as was actually consumed in printing the impressions which
have been delivered to the State ; consequently, there is no indebted-
ness to the State on that account.

The committee also report, pp. 34 and 35, a claim of $849 for
money paid G. Endicott for pressing ; $125.03 for extra impressions,
and $3,651 for the difference between drawing fossils at $5, as
charged, and $12 per quarto plate for the same. I am desired by
Mrs. Endicott to state that she cannot admit the validity of the claims

enumerated above.
| Yours, very respectfully,

WILLIAM ENDICOTT.

P. S.—It may be advisable to add, that it is expected that for what-
ever work is done towards making up this deficiency, credit should
be given at the prices charged in G. Endicott’s bills, subject to no
deduction whatever.

W. E.

=
‘ an
* art

s

ae

STATE OF NEW-YORK.
No. 172.

IN ASSEMBLY,
March 23, 1846.

REPORT

Of the Select Committee in relation to the Natural His-
tory of the State.

Mr. C. Drake, from the select committee appointed under the fol-
lowing resolution, viz:

‘‘ Resolved, That a select committee of three members of this House
‘be appointed to examine the practicability of furnishing a large edition
of the Natural History of this State, at such a price as will enable all
who choose to possess themselves of the work, and at as cheap rates
as other scientific works are now obtained, upon the condition of the
State granting the copyright to said publishers.”

REPORTS :

That the committee have examined the subject embraced in the
resolution, with due care and deliberation. Your committee were
fully aware of the delicate nature of the subject entrusted to their
care, one that has already subjected the State of New-York to the
payment of large sums of money, which, in itself, is a sufficient rea-
son for some persons to oppose any action, however advantageous it
may be to the cause of science, or the developement of the actual
mineral wealth and resources of our extended territory, giving us,
not only a knowledge of what advantages we do possess, but also
making known to us what we are destitute of, thus preventing us
from engaging in the search of supposed hidden mineral wealth, which
geological truths demonstrate does not exist. |

[ Assembly, No. 172.] 1 {u.n.]

2 | ASSEMBLY

It is needless, at this time, for your committee to express any opi-
nion upon the merits of the Natural History of this State. They are’
justly appreciated by those capable of judging; the highest praise
has been extended to the State that was first to investigate, in a man-
ner at all commensurate with the advantages to be derived therefrom,
and no sordid view, fixed and governed by dollars and cents, can or
should have the least influence upon this Legislature.

In corroboration of this sentiment, your committee would here in-
sert the memorial of Henry D. Rogers, B. Silliman, and Charles T.
Jackson, who were appointed a committee, by the Association of
American Geologists and Naturalists. It is in the following words :

** To the Honorable Legislature of New-York:

‘The Association of American Geologists and Naturalists, con-
vened at New-Haven, respectfully represents, that in common with
the scientific public of the United States and of Europe, and with the
friends of learning everywhere, they have viewed, with interest, the
progress of the geological and zoological surveys of the State of
New-York, undertaken through the liberality and public spirit of
your honorable body, and they have looked to their completion as
about to form an era in the historv of science in this country. ‘They
have learned, with much satisfaction, that these labors are nearly
completed, and that the works embodying these results are published,
and they hope that it may not be considered intrusive on their part,
if they respectfully pray that the Legislature will continue to act in
the interest of science, by presenting copies of these works to the
principal colleges of the several States, and to the leading institutions
both at home and abroad, devoted to the cultivation of geology and
natural history ; and also, by enabling individuals, not citizens of
New-York, to obtain them at a reasonable cost. Your memorialists
are persuaded, that such a disposition of a portion of these works
would be in accordance with that honorable spirit which dictated the
survey, would promote the cause of knowledge, and would reflect
additional lustre upon the high character of the State of New-York.
And your memorialists, as in duty bound, will ever pray.

“ The Association of American Geologists and
Naturalists, by their committee,
(Signed) “HENRY D. ROGERS,
“B. SILLIMAN,
“CHARLES T. JACKSON.”

No. 172.] 3

Was other evidence deemed necessary, it could be adduced, clearly
substantiating the superiority of this enterprize over any other work

‘of the kind in the United States. And this testimony could be mul-

tiplied to any extent, from persons capable of deciding in these mat-
ters, both in America and Europe.

The object embraced in the resolution submitted to your committee
is as to “the practicability of furntshing a large edition of the Natu-
al History of this State, at such a price as will enable all who
choose, to possess themselves of the work.” It has been suggested
to dispose of the copyright of this work to some publisher, for the
benefit of the State. At this suggestion, the question at once arises,
shall the State of New-York now sully, by mercenary motives, the
great and splendid achievement she has accomplished, in developing
the abundant resources of her mineral wealth? And if the State can
obtain $30,000, or any like sum, for the copyright, (which your com-
mittee do not believe, for reasons to be assigned hereafter,) would the
Legislature be acting wisely, in thus placing the vast amount of valu-
able scientific information in the hands of a publisher, whereby he
would, of necessity, be compelled not only to pay the expenses of
publication, but also the cost of copyright, to which add publisher’s
profits on a limited sale, (for such would, in this case, be the result,)
and the public are as effectually prevented from enjoying the benefits
of the information contained in the work, as though it was written in
Hebrew. None, except the most wealthy, could purchase the work,
and they are not always the most ready to patronize science, or the
most efficient in discriminating it. ‘To this, however, your committee
would make some few honorable exceptions.*

As a general rule, scientific men possess but moderate means;
their business is to amass and diffuse general intelligence. They are
incapacitated, from the very nature of their avocations, to accumulate
wealth ; they are not disposed to make merchandize of the labor of
their minds, but are actuated by nobler motives. It is no objection
to this sentiment, that book-makers of the present day are largely in
the market, competing for the favors of the public, through the return
of dollars and cents ; yet, your committee would here make the dis-
tinction between the book-maker and the man of science: the former,
sordid, penurious, miserly; the latter, free, generous, and philanthropic.

* Stephen Van Rensselaer, whose bounty first commenced the plan.

4 _ { AssEMBLY

Your committee m sustaining the position they assume in this re-
port, are sustained by a communication of the Messrs. Wiley and Put-
nam. They say, “judging from our own views of the matter, simply as
a business transaction, we should doubt if you could find any publishing
house to undertake the publication, no charge being made for copy
right.”

Your committee are informed by letter from Mr. George Endicott
that he has, by request, had an interview with Messrs. Appletons,

‘with the same result,” and states as-his opision, ‘‘ I doubt if any
| publisher would undertake this under the circumstances, as the State
has distributed a large edition, almost gratuitously, which would be a
serious detriment to a publisher’s success.” He adds, ‘I have no
doubt, however, that an edition of 3 or 6,000 copies might be publish-
ed by the State, and distributed among the people, at a price that
would pay the cost. There has been a great excitement in this city,
and I learn through the State generally, on the subject, and much dis-
appointment that a larger number could not be had. I have known
many sets of the first ten volumes sold at 40, 50 and 60 dollars.”

Your committee would add, that the large publishing house in this
city of C. Van Benthuysen & Co. have been consulted, and they gave
the following answer :

‘* Albany, March 23, 1846.
‘“¢Srr—Your note of the 20th is at hand, asking us what price we
would pay for the copyright of the Geological Survey of the State of
New-York, now in course of publication, &c. &c.

“In reply, we would state, that it has not been our practice to
publish works on our own account, with the exception of a very few
cases. In the case of the Geological Survey, we would not incur the
pecuniary responsibility of publishing so large a work, even if the
copyright was furnished us gratuitously.

“‘ Respectfully yours, &c.

“C. VAN BENTHUYSEN & Co.”

Other publishing houses have been consulted, with like results, none

desiring to accept the copyright as a gift, and be compelled to publish
the work.

No. 172. | 5

Your committee, from these and other considerations, deem the
project of disposing of the copyright not only derogatory to the cha-
racter of the State, but entirely visionary ; and as such unworthy the
consideration of enlightened legislators.

The plan proposed in the bill submitted by your committee meets
the approbation of all those gentlemen concerned in getting up the
work with whom we have been enabled to correspond, and we are
assured, by gentlemen who are capable of judging, that Proff. Mather
would yield his hearty codperation in a measure fraught with such
beneficial results as the publication of the Natural History of this
State would be, in a ferm and at a price that all the varied interests
of our population could possess themselves of the work.

Your committee will here embrace the opportunity of laying before
this house the opinions of Professor L. C. Beck upon this subject, in
a letter to the chairman of your committee.

* RutTcers CoLiece,
“© New-Brunswick, N. J. Feb’y 20, 1846.
‘ Hon. Coarzes Draxe,

‘¢ Dear Sir—lI this morning received your letter of the 16th
inst. enclosing a copy of the resolution of the Assembly of New-York,
in regard to the publication of a cheap edition of the ‘ Natural His-
tory’ of the State.

“‘T beg leave to reply that, in so far as my part of this work is con-
cerned, I think it might be advantageously abridged and brought within
the compass of four or five hundred octavo pages. The first part of
my report (Economical Mineralogy) was published as a specimen of
the whole work, nearly a year before the second or descriptive part.
If the whole publication had been delayed I should have materially
altered the plan.

‘IT objected strongly to the quarto form, at least for my report, and
even had a sheet printed in 8vo. but I was overruled by the authori-
ties at Albany, and was of course obliged to yield. So fully am I
convinced that an abridged edition of this work will eventually be called
for, that I have, for a year past, employed some of my leisure hours
in the revision of my part of it; and it has been my intention, either
at this or the next session of the Legislature, to apply for the privilege

6 [ AssEMBLY

of publishing such a revised edition, should it be found, on examina-
tion, to clash with the copyright secured by the State.

*‘T am decidedly of opinion that the 8vo. form would be the best for
such an edition as is contemplated by the resolution of the Assembly.
The plates of course must be in the 4to., as they now are.

‘The wood cuts which illustrate my report are, with few excep-
tions, uninjured, and will bear, as I] am informed by printers, 10,000
impressions.

“The whole work (abridged as proposed) could, I think, be got up
in 6 or 8 volumes, with 3 or 4 volumes of plates. The price at which
a copy could be sold would depend very much upon the arrangement
made in regard to the copyright. If this should be relinquished by
the State for a nominal sum, and if all the plates over which they have
a control should be transferred to the publisher, it could be afforded
at a cheap rate.

‘* T saw it stated by one of the Senators that a publisher had offered
$30,000 for the copyright of the ‘ Natural History of New-York.
But even if this sum could be obtained, perhaps the very purpose and
design of the publication of a new edition would be frustrated. No
person could pay this sum and then publish a cheap edition. ‘To meet
such an outlay, over and above the expenses of printing, binding, &c.
the book must bear a high price, and would be found on the centre
tables of the rich, and not where it ought to be, in the book cases of
substantial men of the middle class. J was told in New-York, a few
days since, that $60 had been offered for the ten volumes of the ‘ Na-
tural History’ now published.

‘The object of any new movement on this subject should be to
spread the information contained in these volumes before the pzople,
and this can only be done by the publication of an edition in as porta-
bie aud cheap a form as is consistent with respectable typography.

‘‘Astothe prospect of an extensive sale of the proposed edition,
publishers will probably be the best judges. I can only say that I
have had numerous applications from persons requesting me to point
out some mode by which sets of the Natural Histo:y can be obtained,
none of which I have yet been able satisfactorily to answer. They

No. 172.] ”

can not, so far as I know, be obtained at any reasonable price; the
book may, in fact, be said to be out of print.

‘‘T have been informed that many thousand copies of the ‘ Narra-
live of the Exploring expedition’ have been soid. Three distinct edi-
tions of this work, at different prices, were published, and have, it is
believed, been profitable to all concerned. I see no reason why the
‘Natural History of New-York’ should not meet with equal success.
But I may be too much interested in this matter to give a trustworthy
opinion.

‘‘T have only to add, that it will give me pleasure to codperate in
any plan which may be agreed upon to effect the object contemplated
by the Assembly’s resolution.

‘¢ Your obed’t serv’t.

(‘‘ Signed, ) LEWIS C. BECK.”

Doctors Torry and De Kay have each been consulted upon the sub-
ject of an abridged edition of their works, and have given the assu-«
rance that they will cordially undertake the revision of their respec-
tive parts, should any person be authorised to publish an abridged
edition of the ‘ Natural History of New-York.”

Doctors Emmons and Hall have also been consulted, and they fully
concur in the views expressed by your committee. In their commu-
nication they say that,

‘‘ We have examined the volumes on the Geology of the State with
reference to the views expressed in the resolution of the Assembly,
and have become satisfied that the matter may be advantageously con-
densed, so that the letter press will not occupy more than two volumes,
octavo size, of four or five hundred pages each. We fully concur with
the views expressed by your honorable committee, and by our asso-
ciates, that a condensed or abridged form of the work is much needed,
and will soon be demanded by the public. The valuable information
contained in these reports, being the results of several years’ investi-
gation, can not be diffused among the people so long as the work re-
mains in its present form. ‘The small number of copies of this work
now distributed among the people of the State will not give one copy
to every thousand inhabitants, whereas every tenth person should pos-
sess a copy. The results of these investigations are of a practical

8 | ASSEMBLY

kind, and are of daily use and application to the mass of the people ;
therefore we regard it as of essential importance that the work be cir-
culated among the people of every town and district in the State, and
at the lowest possible price which will repay the expense of publica-
tion. We regard it as decided that no publisher can purchase the
copyright of the State, and republish the work in its present form,
and sell it at a price within the means of a large portion of the com-
munity. Even if the copyright were given, we believe no publisher
would undertake a republication of the work. ‘The authors of the
several volumes can abridge, rearrange and condense the matter con-
tained in these volumes, preserving their important features and all
the most important matter ; but no other person should be allowed to
undertake such an abridgement, for obvious reasons.

‘Tt has been our intention, so soon as the work we have in hand
should be finished, to commence the prepartion of our own part of
the work, in an abridged form for publication, intending to ask the
Legislature to allow us the privilege of publishing the same. There
is at present an extensive demand for the reports on the Natural His-
tory of the State, and this demand can not be supplied, except to a
very limited extent, by the present edition. The increasing attention
to these studies render it necessary that suitable works should be fur-
nished to those desiring this knowledge. Heretofore nearly all our
works on natural history in every department, and especially illustrated
works, have been foreign publications. The objects in the different
departments of science in our own country have consequently been
less known to us even than those of foreign countries. This work
is the first that has appeared, commensurate with the wants of the
community, and its materials are wholly of our country and our State.
Such being the nature of this publication, it is certainly desirable that
it should be as widely diffused as possible. Admitting for a moment
that the copyright may be sold for a large sum, this amount, be it what
it may, will be drawn again from the people of the State, in the in-
creased price of the work ; thus placing it beyond the reach of num-
bers.

‘It is our desire that such a course be taken as to insure the widest
circulation of the work, and to place it in the hands of all, young and
old, rich and poor, alike, giving all an opportunity of being benefitted
thereby. By such a course the increased attention to subjects of na-
tural history, and the increased number of persons who would thus

‘No. 172.] ‘9

te induced to direct their attention to the further investigation and
development of different departments, would be the most satisfactory
remuneration to the authors of these works, who have prepared them
under the munificent patronage of the State.

“‘ Not doubting but your committee, in their wisdom, will adopt and
recommend such a course as they shall deem most conducive to the
‘interests of the people, we will assure you that we shall be ready to
‘cooperate in any plan to secure the objects in view.

‘* We have the honor to be,
‘* Your obedient servants,

“ EBENEZER EMMONS,
“JAMES HALL.

*¢ Hon. Cartes Drake ”

Your committee are of the opinion that the work can be published
an six octavo volumes, not exceeding six hundred pages each, and can
e furnished to the public at the cost of one dollar and fifty cents
per volume, in fancy muslin birding, and on paper of good quality,
making the cost of the whole text, nine dollars. This estimate is
supported by a communication from Messrs. Carroll :& Cook, which
is as follows:

“ Azpany, Feb. 25, 1846.

‘6 Hon. C. Drake, Chairman of Select Committee
on printing the Natural History of New-York.
‘Sir: In answer to your enquiry for the expense of reprinting
the ‘ Natural History of New-York,’ per one hundred pages octavo,
we would state, that, after a careful estimate of the same, it would .
amount to the sum of $350.00. We have estimated, {in order to ar-
rive at this result,) the cost of composition at 40 cents per 1000 ems;
press work at 40 cents per token of 250 impressions; paper at 45
per ream or thercabouts ; and pressing, folding, drying, and pressing
sheets and stitching, at $3.40 for each signature of 8 pages. This
estimate is for the printing of 3,000 copies of the work upon small
pica type.
“* Respectfully yours,
“CARROLL & COOK.”

Your committee, therefore, understand that, by this estimate, it
will cost about 12% cents per hundred pages to print the work, which,
[ Assembly, No. 172.] 2

10 { ASSEMBLY

if the volumes contain six hundred pages each, makes 72 cents per
volume ; the balance of one dollar and fifty cents being required for
the stitching, binding, &e., not leaving any very sensible amount for
profits, thereby making it neither profitable or necessary to expend
much money in putting out the printing of the same to the lowest
bidder, as your committee are well satisfied that a correct and equita-
ble estimate can as readily be ascertained for a job of printing, as any
other mechanical branch of industry or marketable commodity, and
that no one need be the subject of imposition, by the extortion of
printers, unless they are too indolent to reckon, or to reckless to think.

Your committee are decidedly of the opinion, that if the “ Natural
History” of this State be abridged, in accordance with the recommen-
dation of your committee, that the school districts of the State will
avail themselves of the opportunity to procure a set for their libraries,
thus bringing the work in almost every neighborhood, thereby bene-
fitting, in the most effectual manner, the masses, by placing within
the reach of all, who may not feel themselves able to place the work
in their own libraries. ‘This subject the committee feel the impor-
tance of, and would pointedly call the attention of the Legislature to,
believing it to be one of the most cogent reasons that can be urged.
You thereby do what cannot in any other way be done so effectually,
rendering the investment heretofore made, in the procuring this sur-
vey, of practical utility and application.

There are yet, doubtless, vast and important localities of mineral
wealth remaining undiscovered. By thus spreading the informa-
tion contained in the ‘‘ Natura! History” over the whole State, you at
once create an enquiry, investigation will of necessity follow, and
you thus bring into existence a corps of mineralogists, spread over
the vast territory embraced within our State limits, whose efficiency,
no one acquainted or conversant with the enquiring disposition of our
people, will attempt to question.

Your committee have conversed freely with scientific gentlemen
upon this subject, and, from all, a most cordial approval of the plan
submitted by your committee, has been received. We must be
allowed here to quote an extract from a letter received from Professor
T. R. Beck, of this city, whose opinion will be received with that
weight, which his rank and station in the scientific world so justly

No. 172.] 11

entitles him, not only from this Legislature, but from men of science

every where.

The bill accompanying this report was submitted for his opinion ;
upon returning it he wrote as follows :

Dr. Cuartes DRAKE:

Dear sir—I have carefully perused and re-perused the accompany-
ing bill; it is liberal on the part of the State, and I trust it will be met
in a somewhat corresponding spirit by the booksellers, who can afford
to print the above works, who have,’ after all, much to say on these
matters. Could the common school districts be gently constrained,

each to purchase a copy, the difficulty would be at once obviated.
* ¥* ¥* % * *

’

I remain, very respectfully,

Your obed’t serv’t.
| T. ROMEYN BECK.
Albany, March 11, 1846.

Your committee would not advise any action in reference to the in-
structing school district libraries to purchase the work, fully believing
that they will duly appreciate the advantages offered, and will avaii
themselves of the first opportunity presented of placing it in their li-

braries.

From the firm conviction of your committee upon this point, they
are of opinion that a large number of copies will be sold, ensuring a
speedy and effectual guarantee for the publication of the work as re-
commended by them.

Your committee deem it expedient to state that the plates should
be continued in the quarto form the same as the present edition. Mr.
Endicott has furnished an estimate, in which he says: “There are
about equal to 700 plates quarto in the whole work.” These can be
furnished on paper equal to the first edition, for printing and paper,
$12.75. It will be necessary to bind them in about four volumes
quarto, which will add something to the expense, probably making the
cost of the plates bound in four volumes amount to fourteen dollars
and fifty cents. If the paper, on which the plates are printed, is re-
duced in weight and quality, which it can readily be, it will reduce
the price probably to 12 dollars per sett; this would enable all to

b2 | AssemBLY

~

possess the work entire for 21 dollars, a price that, as your committee
believe, would, considering the value of the information it contains, be:
unparalleled in the annals of printing, fully sustaining the principle of
reform in printing for the public, even to the utmost stretch of radical
reform.

Your committee are decidedly of the opinion that the present offers.
a most favorable opportunity, ia making the information contained in
the work under consideration the most valuable, for the further reason
that the plan meets the approbation of those gentlemen who were en-
gaged in gelling up the same, and who are best qualified to abridge
and send forth an edition that will give to the work the just value it
should. possess. In saying this, your committee would not be under-
stood to insinuate, that they alone, are capable of giving a correct
abridgement or one that would be acceptable, yet your committee
know of no guarantee, (if the present opportunity is-suffered to pass
unimproved,) that those persons who have had no interest in getting
up the work, and are qualified for the task will undertake it. On the
contrary, they believe that such persons are generally engaged, and
the result would be, the abridging of the work would fall into the
hands of such as are known to make books with scissors, a Jamenta-
ble but too frequent a result, and one that every friend of science can
but deeply deplore.

This reason we feel, cannot be urged too strongly upon the conside-
ration of this Legislature, knowing that the argument will meet a rea-
dy response in the minds of all, who are any way acquainted with the
manner, adopted at the present day to fill the book trade with what
are ampudentiy called new works, and it is no new case where these
scientific scissorers have mutually charged upon the other the crime
of plagarism, each supposing himself to have been the first purloiner.
Demagoguism in authorship is no very recent feature in the scientific
world, and we are firmly impressed with the conviction that the plan
submitted for the deliberation of this Legislature, if adopted, will ef-
fectually preclude any prostitution of the valuable information contain-
ed in the ‘‘ Natural History” of this State to such a base and disrepu-
table use. Nothing could be more afflicting to the pride of New-
York than seeing the valuable history she has produced of her mine-
ralogy, geology, zoology, botany, ornithology, &c. pirated and palm-
ed off as the productions of men who visit localities, collect specimens,
compare, arrange, describe, and analyze all in their own private study.

No. 172.] 13

Your committee are well assured that the forthcoming work on
agriculture will be such as to merit a high place in the estimation of
the farming interests of our country, and low indeed is the philanthro-
py of that individual who is not anxious to improve the husbandry of
our State, and call forth all the vast resources, of which our soils are
capable. The day has arrived when the farmer is about to take the
high and elevated stand to which he is entitled, by the relation he sus-
tains to other and subordinate interests. ‘The day has gone past when
the learned professions are regarded as a higher order in the column
of society. Scientific and mechanical avocations, have their proper
estimate, and due deference is paid to them by the community. ‘I'he
commercial world has had all the respect paid it that is its due, and
the over anxious solicitude of parents to place their sons in mercantile
houses is abating, the various and rapid changes of trade rendering it
a most uncertain source of wealth, and the chances of failure through
the excess of competition, renders the life of the merchant one of con-
stant care, toil and vexation. Whilst upon the contrary the avocation
of the agriculturist is void of all those exciting hopes and and fears, —
and in its almost certain returns for labor bestowed, makes it one of
the most agreeable as well as one of the most honorable occupations
in which individuals can engage. Itis needless for your committee
further to enlarge upon the necessity of fostering in every way con-
sistent with the rights and privileges of other interests that of the
farmer.

Agriculture is beyond all question now reduced to one of the exact
sciences, and, by the labors of the agricultural chemist, a knowledge
of all the various elements entering into the composition and quality of
his soil is clearly and unequivocally demonstrated. Withthe knowledge
thus afforded, the farmer can as surely draw his own deductions from
given and fixed data, as any other scientific experiment fixed and made
certain by the laws of chemical combination and affinity. The appli-
cation of these principles will not only add to the dignity of the agri-
culturist, but will render his gains more certain and his business more
lucrative, thus largely benefitting the human family by cheapening the
necessary means of subsistence, thus conferring permanent benefits
upon the age in which he lives by dispensing blessings to all around
him.

Upon the foregoing considerations, your committee have come to
the conclusion that it is entirely practicable to furnish “a large edi-

@
14 | ASSEMBLY

tion of the Natural History of this State, at such a price as will ena-
ble all who choose to possess themselves of the work, and at as cheap
rates as other scientific works are obtained, upon the condition of the
State granting the copyright to said publishers ;” and herewith your
committee report, by bill, under the full impression that the public

good will be promoted by its passage.

AN ACT

Authorizing an abridged publication of the Natural Histo-
ry of the State of New-York.

d
The People of the State of New-York, represented in Senate and
Assembly, do enact as follows :

Section 1. The persons employed by the State of New-York to
write the Natural History of the State, viz: Ebenezer Emmons,
James Hall, Lewis C. Beck, John Torrey, James DeKay, Lardner
Vanuxem and William W. Mather, shall each respectively have, own
and possess and forever enjoy the copyright to the several volumes
published by them as State Geologists.

§ 2. The said aforenamed persons shall, within sixty days after the
passage of this act, file in the Comptroller’s office a notice of their ac-
ceptance of the said copyright, and give bonds with good and suffi-
cient security, of which the Governor, Secretary of State and Comp-
troller shall determine, for the sum of five thousand dollars each, pay-
able to the State of New-York, and upon the condition that they each
shall, within one year, abridge and put in print one entire edition of
three thousand copies of the Natural History of the State of New-
York, not to exceed eight octavo volumes, of six hundred pages each,
and sell them to all who desire to purchase, at a price not to exceed
one dollar and seventy-five cents per volume.

§ 3. The State of New-York hereby give to the persons publishing
said Natural History all maps, plates, lithographs or engravings on
wood or stone that belong to the State, and have been used or intend-
ed to be in the publication of said Natural History.

§ 4. The said persons so publishing the Natural History of the
State, shall also publish all the plates already embraced in said work,
and all intended so to be, upon as good paper as the first edition is,
and in all respects as well executed and colored as the same are in
quarto form unbound, for the sum of twelve dollars and seventy-five

16 | AssemBLY

cents, to all persons who shall, on or before the first day of January
next, certify their desire to purchase said plates, to the Comptroller,
whose duty it shall be to keep a list of all such applicants and deliver
the same to the publishers at any time when called upon. , v

§ 5. In case any one or more of the persons named in the first section _ &
of this bill shall neglect or refuse to comply with the first, second or
four?’ sections of this bill, then the remaining persons so named, or
ar. .me of them, may, by assuming the requisite responsibility named
* ‘sue second section of this act, own and enjoy all the rights and privi-

\ ges granted to said person or persons in this bill.

§ 6. In case neither or any of the persons named in the first section
of this act, shall comply with the conditions therein specified, then and
in that case the Secretary of State shall give due notice through one
of the newspapers in each county in the State to be by him designa-
ted, offering the copyright to any publisher who will undertake to
carry out the intention of this act at the cheapest price per volume, on
paper and with type for the text as good as scientific works are now
published, or such as the Governor, Secretary and Comptroller shall
designate.

§ 7. Such publisher or publishers shall enter into bonds, with good
securities, to be approved by the Governor, Secretary of State and
Comptroller, for the sum of thirty-five thousand dollars, to the State
of New- York, conditioned for his or their faithful performance of the

contract.

§ 8. Said publisher or publishers shall, upon filing said bonds with
the Comptroller, have and enjoy all the privileges granted in the dif
ferent sections of this bill to the authors named in the first section of

this act.

§ 9. The Governor; Secretary of State and Comptroller, may, if they
are satisfied the interest of the work requires it, give the person of
persons executing the publishing of said Natural History, an exten¢ |
sion of time to publish the edition named in and specified in section
second, upon the condition that said publisher or publishers renew
their konds in the like manner and for the same sum specified in sec-

tion seventh.

§ 10. This act shall take effect immediately:

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State of New-wMork.

No. 211.

IN ASSEMBLY, APR, 8 1896.

REPORT

Of the select committee on the completion of the Natural
History of the State.

Mr. Denniston, from the select committee to which was referr-
ed the report of the Commissioners appointed to superintend the
completion of the publication of the Natural History of New-
York,

REPORTS:

The geological survey of the State was first recommended by
Governor Clinton, in 1828; but no active steps were taken until
1835, when a resolution was passed requesting the Secretary of
State to report to the Legislature, at its next session, the most —
expedient method of obtaining a complete geological survey of
the State, etc.

This report was made to the next Legislature by John A. Dix,
Secretary of State. The report recommended a division of the
State into four districts, and the appointment of two geologists
for each district, and one draughtsman to each district. It was
thought that the survey would take three or four years.

| Assem. No. 211.] : 1 [u. n. 200p.]

2 | AssEMBLY

The annual expense of the survey was estimated at $19,900,
and the cost of publishing the same, with maps, cuts, ete., and
the fitting up of a cabinet for specimens at $24,900, making the
entire cost of the project when completed $104,000.

In 1836, the act to provide for the geological survey of the
State, was passed, appropriating annually, for four years, the
sum of twenty-six thousand dollars, to pay the expense therefor.

In the spring of 1836, the departments of the survey were or-.
ganised. In November of the same year the. geologists met at
Albany, for consultation, and recommended the establishment of
a new department to which should be committed that part of
the work which was to relate to fossil remains. It was suggest-
ed that the,increase of expense would be comparatively trifling,
and to diminish this the paleontologist will make all the draw-
ings of fossil remains, and thus save an annual expense at least
of $500.

The department on paleontology was accordingly organised
in 1837, and Mr. Conrad was appointed to that service.

In 1840, it was found impossible to complete the survey with-
in the four years designated by the act of 1836, and an act was
passed authorising the Governor to continue the survey until
the 1st of January, 1842, if it could be done without exceeding
the original appropriation of $104,000.

In 1842, it was ascertained that the expense of the survey
would far exceed the appropriations therefor, and another act
was passed, authorising the Governor to continue the survey,
etc., until the first Tuesday in January, in such way as to secure
the ultimate completion and publication as heretofore contem-
plated, and twenty-six thousand dollars were appropriated to
defray the expenses thereof.

In May, 1843, eight volumes of the work were printed at a
cost of $40,723.11. It was also ascertained that the whole work
would make ten or twelve volumes.

An act was passed this year to secure the completion and pub-
lication of the work, as theretofore contemplated.

No. 211.] 3

Mr. Hall reported, this year, for the paleontology there is yet
nothing provided, except a few wood cuts, etc. Ihave made an
estimate that the work can be completed, the book written, and
the engraving, printing, and binding done for $2.75-100 per
volume. If this mode is preferred it can be accomplished in
about two years. (Senate doc. 1843, p. 49.)

On the 10th of May, 1843, the Governor entered into a con-
tract with Professors Emmons and Hall, for every kind of labor
and expense necessary to a full completion of the geological sur-
vey in all the departments, excepting printing, etc., for a com-
pensation of one thousand five hundred dollars salary to each,
and five hundred dollars for assistant; but under no circumstances
is a larger sum to be paid. Under this contract Prof. Hall un-
dertook the completion of the paleontology, and Prof. Emmons
_ the agricultural survey of the State.

In 1845, nine volumes of the work had been published, and it
was then estimated that six more would complete the set,
There had been uxpended thus far $311,321.72, and it was esti-
mated that $54,268,92 would complete the work.

In October, 1845, Governor Wright made an arrangement
with Prof. Hall, to go on and complete the geological survey
under his charge, upon the specific understanding that the time
occupied should not exceed two years. His salary was to be at
the rate of $1500 per year.

In 1847, Prof. Hall reported that it would take longer time
to complete his labors than was anticipated. He said, “In re-
gard to my own time, I am willing to stipulate, as suggested,
that the work shall be done within two years, or that beyond
that time I will receive no pay.” “ Still, I think it would be
but justice to give me half a year longer.” (See Assembly Doe,
No. 9, page 24, of 1850.)

An act was passed to complete the survey, and twenty-five
thousand dollars was appropriated for that purpose.

Under the act of 1847, the Governor entered into a contract

with Prof. Hall, to execute or to have executed the original
drawings necessary for his department.

4 [ AssEMBLY

The amount paid out of the treasury for the service connected
with and the publication of the Natural History of the State, to
January, 1850, was $425,375.36. Thecauses of the expense ex-
ceeding the original estimates were, that the original plan of
publication was departed from, and an exceeding looseness about
making and preserving of the contracts relating to certain parts
of the work. Many of the contracts were verbal, and very
loosely understood at that. So that disputes have arisen as to
the obligations of the parties thereto. (See Assembly Doc. of
1850, No. 9, pages 30 to 36.)

In January, 1850, it was estimated that over $150,000 would
be required to complete the publication of the Natural History
of the State, in accordance with the estimates of the professors
engaged in the work. (See Assembly Doc., 1850, No. 9, p. 39.)

In the same document, page 63, Prof. Hall writes as follows:
“To complete the letter-press of the remainder of the work on
Paleontology, and to make the necessary examinations and col-
lections in the field, and investigations and comparisons prepar-
atory to the publication of figures, is a labor sufficient for five
years, and as much as can be done in that time, if the investiga-
tions are properly made. I would willingly say in less time,
but I have so often over-estimated my powers, and under-esti-
mated the labor and time necessary for such investigations, that
I am unwilling to set any less time. I may say, however, that
the second volume is in press, and the printing will be finished
by the first of January next. And the investigations for the
THIRD VOLUME have progressed so far, that I confidently expect to
have that volume finished by the spring of 1851.”

Again, at page 67, Prof. Hall says: “ For volume three. The
number of drawings finished for this volume is 866, exclusive of
those heretofore made for wood engraving, whichis 339.” ‘There
are in progress for the same volume about 400 figures, for which
specimens have been studied and laid out, and the drawings
commenced.”

‘For volume 4. The number of drawings finished for this
volume is 152, exclusive of 207 done for wood engraving.”

No. 211.] 5

“For volume 5. Drawings finished for this volume 28—tor
figures engraved on wood 108136 figures.”

¢ All the drawings in progress at the present time are for the
third volume.”

Again, at page 68 he says, ‘‘ And though I cannot positively
state that the number of figures or plates required will exceed
the number estimated two years since, yet I think in working
up the fossils in the higher rocks, I shall probably exceed the
amount previously estimated.”

‘It will require four volumes to complete the work on Pale-
ontology, unless one or more of the volumes is made of large
and unwieldly size. I had previously contemplated this, but I
find that the materials allotted to the second volume would
make it much larger than any yet published, and I prefer to —
leave a part for the third volume. The investigations, notes,
memoranda, &c., as well as a large part of the drawings, and
some of the lithographic engravings, have been made for the
third volume of the series.”

The estimates for completing the volumes on Paleontology, as
deduced from Prof. Hall’s statement, including salary for five
years, amount to $90,801.75. (See page 176.)

The estimate of the cost for completing the agricultural work
as Shown by Prof. Emmons, is $45,714.50. (See page 171.)

The actual amount paid out for the Natural History of the
State, includes the sum of $425,375.76, to which is to be added
the amounts paid for printing the annual reports of the geolo-
gists from 1836 to 1841—$19,530.30; also value of lot and
buildings for museum, $25,000; making in all, to January, 1850,
the sum of $454,909.06.

We find in the report of the commissioners appointed to take
charge of the publication of the geological report, and to pay
certain claims against the State, made ts the Legislature April
Ist, 1851, (see Assembly Doc., 1851, No. 124,) that the estimate
of the expense of completing the third volume on agriculture,
was put at $23,736.25, and that the commission did not advisea
departure from the plan of publication as before determined on.

6 [ ASSEMBLY

In the same report, it is said that Prof. Hall’s second volume
on Paleontology “ the printing is nearly altogether completed,”
and that some difficulties existed between Prof. Hall and Mr.
Duthie, the engraver, as to the accuracy and finish of the en-
gravings.

The commission recommend that ‘the sum of two thousand
five hundred dollars be tendered to Prof. Hall, on the presenta-
tion of each successive volume, commencing with the third, to
the Secretary of State. The volume should contain the manu-
script, letter-press, ready for printing, and be accompanied with
the very fossils described.”

It is also stated in the report that the salary of Prof. Emmons
ceased on the first of October, 1848, and that of Prof. Hall on
the first of April, 1849.

The amount reported to have been expended on the services
and publication connected with the Natural History, is $17,829.35.
(See page 35.)

In the report of the commissioners made to the Legislature
January 12th, 1852, (see Assembly Doc. No. 23,) they say they
have closed the account with Dr. Emmons, for the sum of three
thousand dollars, and that “ compensation is understood to pay
the salary in arrears, and satisfy the whole claim for the comple-
tion of the volumes on agriculture and entomology now in
hand.”

‘¢ Mr. Hall presented an account for salary from April first,
1849, to October first, 1851, (two and a half years,) deducting
therefrom four months absence; and he further represented that
his personal superintendence would still be necessary for several
months to come, in order to complete the volume in hand; and
he offered to continue this superintendence at a reduced rate of
salary.”

‘We closed this account on the above conditions, continuing
his salary at a reduced rate to February first, 1852, and also re-
quiring that the payments should be in full of all charges of
every description, in the way of salary or compensation, for the
sum of $3,625.”

No. 211.] 7

The commissioners were directed by the act authorizing them
to superintend the publication, tosuspend or terminate the work,
‘unless they contract, as suggested in their report of April first,
1851, by the volume.”

On this, Prof. Hall verbally informed the commissioners that...
he was willing to enter into a contract on the terms proposed, .
but he would want an appropriation to meet the accounts for .
engravings, drawings and other current charges.

It was estimated that not more than from five to seven thousand
dollars wonld be called for during the year, as that some thou-
sand dollars’ work had already been completed and paid for, for
the third volume. |

There was paid during the year for services and publication
of Natural History, $20,146.74.

In the report of the commissioners made to the Legislature
March 14th, 1853, (Assembly Doc. No. 74,) itis stated that three
volumes of the Natural History had been completed and distri-
buted, viz: one volume of Dr. Emmons’ work on fruits, one
volume of plates on do, and one volume (second) of Prof.
Hall’s work on Paleontology.

Amount paid on all the work to date of report, is $5,016.88.

In the report of February, 1854, (Assembly Doc. 71,) the
payments for the year were stated as follows: 7

Paid balance due on Prof. Hall’s Paleontology, vol. 2, $818 51
Paid towards completing Prof. Hall’s Paleontology,

WOM hast iced. cts cet ie cgdiestins «vans acne Sue te aes We 4,765 56
Balance on Dr. Emmons’ agriculture, vol 3,...... 310 00
Paid towards completing Dr. Emmons’ volume on |

MISEC Ss 096.6. 4:0/m 50) clei fale ong 8)! cyl an Bren Me shaun alta Panes 8,332 00
Balance due on Dr. Emmons’ salary, in full,...... 1,000 00

$15,226 01

—_————— ~)

The report of the commissioners made to the Legislature, Jan-
uary 30th, 1855, (Assembly Doc No. 53,) states the expenses of

8 | ASSEMBLY

the volume on insects, by Dr. Emmons, to have exceeded the
sum of fifteen thousand dollars, exclusive of printing.

There were paid for plates of Hall’s Paleontology, as follows :

No. 1, To Richard H. Pease,.....-++++ seen eeeees $734 00
No. 3, do dO: ae eet spins = eee 337 00
No. 4, do GO Ce anitics cs + sae 280 00
No. 5, do 1G) in Soe woo ue ee eee 343 00
‘No. 6, do di Shen SR ee 352 00
No. 7, do dog A aes 286 50
No. 8, do @O.8 weleods hbo eG ee eee 229 75
No. 9, do GO\ cies siewihe yk eee 447 25
No. 10, do Oc casas ct ee eee 294 00
No. 15, To Richard H. Pease,.......... see 02e0ss 448 50

$3,752 00

a

All the payments during the year on the publication of the
Natural History of the State—$5,559.62.

In the réport of December 31st, 1855, (see Assembly Doc. of
1856, No. 150,) the payments since the last annual report are
stated as follows, viz: $3,895.50.

It also appears from this report, that the commissioners, on
the 30th day of June, 1855, entered into an agreement with Prof.
Hall, for the completion of the work on Paleontology, in five
volumes, giving the said Hall until the first day of J anuary,
1857, to complete the third volume, which in 1847, Prof. Hall
thought he could complete in two years from that date; also four
years for each of the two succeeding volumes, paying the said
Hall six thousand dollars for the third volume, two thousand
dollars down, one thousand dollars on the first of January, 1856,
one thousand dollars on the first of October, 1856, and the ba-
lance when the third volume is,completed.

By said agreement, said Hall is to be paid two thousand dol-
lars each year, while engaged on the fourth and fifth volumes,
mine months in each year, and one thousand dollars additional for

No. 211.] ° 9

\

the collection of fossils, as set forth by the contract, which is as
follows :

This agreement, made this 30th day of June, in the year of
our Lord 1855, between Elias W. Leavenworth, Secretary of
State, and T. Romeyn Beck, Secretary of the Board of Regents,
in behalf of the People of the State of New-York, of the first
part, and James Hall of the second part, witnesseth :

First. That the parties of the first part hereby premise and
agree to pay to the party of the second part, for the third vol-
ume of his Paleontology of the State of New-York, the sum of
six thousand dollars, as follows: Two thousand dollars, down;
one thousand dollars on the first day of January next; one thou-
sand dollars onthe first day of October in the year 1856; the re-
maining two thousand dollars when the work is in all respects
complete, and is delivered to the printer for publication. Andin
consideration of the premises, the said James Hall promises and
agrees on the first day of February next, he will recommence his
labors upon the said third volume, and that he will devote to
' the same his constant attention till the same is ready for the
press, and will complete the same if possible by the first day of
January, 1857.

Second. And the said James Hall further agrees that he will
finish the Paleontology of the State in five volumes, which is the
number of volumes for the work mutually agreed upon by the
parties hereto; that the remaining volumes shall embrace the
fossils of those rocks in the §tate, the fossils of which have not
yet been described in the work; that he will commence the
fourth volume immediately on the completion of the third, and
will diligently devote himself to such fourth and fifth volumes,
from year to year, till the same are fully completed in the most
careful, thorough, and scientific manner; and that he will com-
plete each volume within a period not exceeding four years, and
within as much shorter a period as he can and do ample justice
to himself and the State. And in consideration of such perfor-
mance on the part of said party of the second part, the parties
of the first part hereby promise and agree: 1. That they will pay

10 ' | AssEMBLY

to him the sum of two thousand dollars a year for each and
every year during which he shall be engaged on said fourth and
fifth volumes, to commence on the commencement of his labors
upon said fourth volume and to be paid to him quarterly.
2. That the party of the second part shall be allowed each year,
commencing on the first day of January, in the year 1856, to ex-
pend not exceeding one thousand dollars in the collection of the
fossils to be described in said fourth and fifth volumes, the bills
of which expenditure shall be supported by the usual vouchers
and shall be audited by the parties of the first part. 3. The
party of the second part shall, each year, commencing with the
first day of January next, be allowed a vacation or vacations not
exceeding three months in all, all of which shall be spent in not
more than three different periods in cach year.

Third. The said party of the second part hereby promises and
agrees to and with the parties of the first. part as follows, viz:
Ist. That when the said third volume shall be completed he will
select with great care from the entire body of fossils owned by
himself and the State, two as perfect suites as may be of all the
fossils described in the first, second and third volumes of said
work, and of all other fossils, if any, found in the same rocks,
though not described, each of which suites shall consist of a suf-
ficient number of specimens of each kind, fully to illustrate its
character and peculiarities. And in case there shall not bea
duplicate of any fossil, a plaster cast of the same shall be pro-
cured by the party of the second part, at the éxpense of the State,
and such fossil shall be placed in one suite, and the cast of the
same in the other; the parties of the first part shall then select
one of said suites for the said State, and the other shall be the
property of the party of the second part. 2d. On the comple-
tion of the fourth, and also of the fifth volume, a like selection
shall be made of two suites, and a plaster cast made in like man-
ner in each case as the parties of the first part shall select, one
of such suites for the State, and the other, in each ease, shall be-
long to the party of the second part, in all respects in like man-
ner mutatis mutandis as is above provided in regard to the first
three volumes.

No. 211.] 11

And it is further mutually agreed, by and between the parties
hereto, that in case any question shall arise between the parties
hereto growing out of this contract, that the same shall be sub-
ject to the award and final determination of two arbitrators, one
of whom shall be selected by one of the parties hereto, and one
by the other; and in case of their inability to agree, they shall
themselves select a third. All such arbitrators shall, however,
be selected from the following named persons, as long as any
three of them shall remain alive, viz: Louis Agassiz of Cam-
bridge, James D. Dana of New Haven, Augustus A. Gould of
Boston, Chester Dewey of Rochester, and William C. Logan of
Canada.

It is, however, further understood and agreed by and between
the parties hereunto, that in regard to the fossils described in
the first volume of said work, the said party of the second part
shall complete, at the time before mentioned, the suite of said
last mentioned fossils already delivered by him to the State, so
as to embrace all the fossils described in such volume; and such
suite shall be made as full and complete as is hereinbefore par-
ticularly indicated, and when so completed the same shall be
accepted and received by the State in full satisfaction of such
portion of the fossils as are described in said first volume.

In witness whereof we have hereunto set our hands and seals
the day and year aforesaid.
Signed, sealed and delivered,
in the presence of
Frankiin B. Hoven.

E. W. LEAVENWORTH,
Sec’y of State, [u. s.]

T. ROMEYN BECK, [u.s.]

JAMES HALL, ft. a]

The foregoing contract seems to have been based upon the
Session Laws for 1855, chap. 539, passed April 14th, 1855, (the
supply bill,) which reads as follows:

“The sum of five thousand dollars is hereby appropriated for

the payment of any expenses growing out of the Natural Histo-
ry of this State, to be paid only on the certificate of the Secreta-

12 ASSEMBLY

ry of State and the Secretary of the Board of Regents, who are
hereby authorized and directed to take charge of all the matters
appertaining to the compilation and completion of such Natural
History, with power to make such contracts, limiting the num-
ber of volumes, fixing the compensation, and otherwise, as they may
think proper.”

By virtue of the foregoing contract, the amount it will cost
the State to complete the work on Paleontology, as near as the
committee can estimate the same, will be between ninety and
one hundred thousand dollars, as will be seen from the follow-
ing items of expenditure, based upon data furnished the com-
mittee appointed to investigate the matters connected with the
publication of the Natural History, &c. (See Assembly Doc.,
1850, No. 9, page 175.)

For completing the unfinished portions of volume three:

To James Hall, for naming and describing fossils, as

DEL COUMLIACL. « im sccie.e eins oii sie aieienp asian ene $6,000 00
Engraving 700 figures, at $3.00. cco. ons sven 2,100 00
700 drawings, af G1 Oe... jou» «Mens «2 siqemmle 1,050 00

Printing 3000 each of 50 plates, at $1.50 per100, 2,250 00
Paper for 3000 impressions each of 50 plates, at

C3000. Per Plate, «oct sisson x de rgine odeege aeete 1,500 00
Lettering 50 plates, at $3.50 per plate,........ 175 00
PHIMtings Pte Pages cs cw oinle.s = oe, creased eee 76 25
Printing and binding 3000 copies,............ 6,000 00

Total to be expended on third volume,..... $19,151 25

Estimated expense for completing volume four:
To James Hall, salary for four years, (nine months

IW CAGh VEAT.) eave pia esse. Sane oe eae . $8,000 00
James Hall, for collecting fossils,...........+. 4,500 00
Engraving 2000 figures, at $3.00,..........0 6,000 00
2000) drawings, at $1.30, o.com er ee es 3,000 00
Lettering 100 (plates, at’ $8.50,. 0) 0.005022. 350 00
Printing 3000 each of the 100 plates, at $1.50

Per LOO iy sabvdwh oe REO NCO Be ae 4,500 00

Paper for 3000 impressions each of 100 plates,
$30.00 per plates. ssi. geead ssislsie le as eee ds 3,000 00

No. 211.] 13

To printing title page,......... Di pimobae. ahh 76 25
Printing and binding 3000 copies,............ 6,000 00

$35,426 25
For completing volume five, same as volume four, 35,426 2°
Add to this expense to be made on volume three,.. 19,151 25

ee

Totes 20s Wey ois. Coes oe 6 Migee $90 003 TS

It will be observed that in the preceding estimate, allowance
is only’ made for 100 plates each, for volumes four and five.
Whereas, it appears from the communication of Mr. Hall, (As-
sembly Doc., 1855, No. 53, page 24,) that the total number of
plates for volume three is 118. Should a like number of plates
be required for volumes four and five, the total expense in com-
pleting the Paleontology, in pursuance of the foregoing contract,
will exceed the sum of oNE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS.

There has already been expended on the Natural History of
the State, as follows, to the year 1850,.......... $445,375 04

RENO a sisal 5/5 )2 Ss! ae 8 2S TE oe vies a's apprileg 16,918 82
Es so iy) BE Aihs go cng es digal sd Cea RE 651 00
oe “eo re, a, ees. 24,901 00
oso 6 Gioc eo % 0's. 5 opine, 9 oie oan wigs 13,463 63
ee eee 8,747 20
Bei el ss SM ca oa So's coos vues Gaee 8,747 12

Add $100, G00 te'ie Vetexpended, cs. .. . sccteee 100 000 00

$618,803 81
The committee have ascertained, by reference to the legisla-
tive documents, that at the commencement of the geological
survey, it was decided that the fossils should be illustrated by
wood engravings. Under this determination, something like
twenty thousand dollars was expended in engraving wood cuts for
that purpose. Subsequently, however, under the advice of per-
sons engaged in the survey, the wood cuts were thrown aside,
and lithograph and steel engravings substituted. The result
has been ‘an enormovs increase of expenditure beyond what was
originally intended.

For the purpose of illustrating this subject clearly, the com-
mittee have obtained one of the original blocks of wood cuts,
_ from which the following impressions were printed. This block

14

| AsseEMBLY

was used in Hall’s Geology, page 105, and also in the table of

organic remains at the end of the volume.

Be oo
TO
mat ae \\
>

\\"

saieeenecese ere ¥

The foregoing wood illustrations are of the following fossils,

and numbered as designated in the plate :

ty Mpititer Niacarensigs. 64.0. gus se cae ees ba as
Zandi2 b. Spirifer Radiatas, )/... 0.605002 00.
sand Ob. Spivifer Crispus, wed dis. » xnias divléle dle
4 and 4 a, Spirifer Suleatus,.:..c0s0402 «0008
Seis Pioel MAM, yc. die we uele «4 o> a aiken t
OG: Orthis Miesamtiwlay css ses. sa eee sie w eee
abc, Orthis By bridag ¢ oes «cija\sis sale sins vig cn yateeees
So Opitler’ BMOUusn. «,. «ve ese gbgnviels tee eee ke

— —as

8 species.

1 figure.
2 figures.
2 do

4% do

2 do

4 do

3 do

4 do
20 figures.

No. 211.] 15
This wood cut, illustrating 8 fossils, cost the State of New-York,

Por drawing 20 figures,;ah @l.50,. wh. < emcee cas vs $30 00
Pmgraving 20 figures, at: $a00,.. 0s. wcaminy es cveace OOOO
£90 00

By reference to volume two of the Paleontology, it will be
seen that the fossils figured in the preceding plate have all been
re-produced in lithography, with numerous figures of the same
fossil. The following statement of these fossils, as figured in
volume two, is given for the purpose of comparison, and to show
the great increase of expenditure:

Plate’No. 54. Spirifer Niagarensis,........... 18 figures.
do 22 and 54. Spirifer Radiatus,....... 27 do
do D4) Spimmer -Crispusyc 0 ee. . ss ete ta 10 do
do b4.: Spammer” Suleatuss ee. kk 10 do
do*) 52. Orthia Wlabelinm 2... .2e se. 5s il ‘de
do, 52. Orthis Nlegantula,.: 000s... 17 de
ae. De Onthis Hybrida, ou... nates oe +s 14 do
ao, 54.) Spirifets BMODUS,.........2.ccseess 10 do

Sed é S « ———s
8 species. 117 figures.

The amount paid by the State for drawing and lithographing
these eight fossils, is as follows:

Drage 108? fiewmres) at $1.50.) 0... we ot ce eeege s voce BITS 50
Emeravine 117 fetes ar $3.00, 0.00. occ c ec pepe ncey 351 00

$526 50

This sum, as will be seen, only includes the cost of drawing,
and engraving, and does not embrace the expenses for lettering
the plates, the paper, nor printing, which may be stated at one
hundred and fifty-seven dollars, making a total of six hundred
and eighty-three dollars and fifty cents, and an increase of five
hundred and ninety-three dollars and fifty-three cents over that
of wood engravings, as above referred to.

The committee are impelled from a sense of duty, to introduce
an additional example in illustration of the extravagant amount
being expended on the Paleontology of the State.

The wood cut from which the following figures were printed,
was used by the four geologists in their respective volumes, to
illustrate the fossil “ Pentamerus Galeatus,” or ‘“‘ Galeated Penta-
merus.” |

oe | [Assempry ,

%

(See Assembly Doce. of 1854, No. 71.)

This single species of fossil, the Pentamerus Galeatus, has been
f made to cost as follows, viz:

1. Drawing 38 figures at $1,50 a nears on ina ole 8 9 ee
_. 2. Engraving 36 do at $3,00,. oa we paid debs sens ee
3. Lettering two plates at $3, 50, Sabie oi Widths jo ie eee ong) ee
4, Printing two plates 3,000 copies, BOG Seek AV Go se - 90 00
B.paper for the Same, .. . . si: ceeox tides oe ee ae 60 00
$322 00
_ Eight wood euts were prepared for the above fossil, which were
abandoned for lithographs .aackesteei-eneravine These wood
cuts cost, |
For drawing,. De clay sb Side 4 pe teaee :

ee Pee Wes B2.00

For cutting, .. 40 00

Making a total of, for one fossil,........... 1... $374 00

It is conceded that three figures would have been a full illus-
tration of the species, which is so well known.

It seems to be the design of those having the control of the
work to increase the number of figures, illustrating each fossil,
beyond all precedent or necessity, adding thereby to its expense.

The Paleontology of the ordinance survey of Great Britain,
contains a description of 297 species, which are illustrated by
763 figures; less than three figures for each species. (Phillips.)

The number of species described in Murchinson’s great work,
the Silurian system, is 375, which is illustrated by 701 figures;
less than two figures to a species, and the illustration is regard-
ed by all scientific men, as being very full.

The first volume of the Paleontology of New-York, deseribes
381 species, illustrated by 2,000 figures on 100 plates, making
the average number to exceed five figures té a species. One
thousand figures ought to be regarddd, ae all cen men, as
amply sufficient. | ;

The committee are therefore of the opinion that the commis-
sioners, having this matter in charge, ought to place all future
expenditures on the work within reasonable limits.

_ All of which is respectfully submitted.

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